Ukrainian Upcycle
Our best efforts to aid the people of Ukraine
During the beginning of the war in Ukraine, we set off to provide as much help as we could as a community. We set out to collect as many necessities as possible, including hygiene products, long-lasting foods, and other necessities. Which all came together to create emergency care packages that we sent over to Ukrainian borders in many vanloads driven by civilians. This was done through "Polonia dla Ukrainy" (translating Polish community for Ukraine) who are organising the collection of necessary items for Ukrainians who have had to flee their homes.
Furthermore, we also worked with theyneed.co.uk to collect items for children orphaned by the war in Ukraine. We did this by enlisting people from the community to come into the shop and collect bags in that they will help fill with necessities that were set off to the border.
Ukrainian Corner
Inside of the cafe at our Monmouthshire unit is a corner dedicated to Ukraine, which features images of the country during the war as a reminder to all. Furthermore, in this corner we have a section where products made either in Ukraine or by Ukrainians living in the area can be sold and profits will go to support them.
Supporting Ukraine
At the start of March across all four units we aimed to raise £5000 in a week. Each unit had its own donation pots and all profits in the cafe were donated to a charity named ‘The Swallows’ charity in the Kirovohrad region, Ukraine.
Ukrainian and British Christmas Party
In December 2024 we hosted a Ukrainian and British Christmas Party
In Ukrainian tradition, there are 12 dishes on the Christmas table so we decided to mix this with british chritsmas traditions.
We also had live music, performances and the chance to dance with us. The stage was also open to anyone who wanted to join in the fun.
Overall it was an amazing and joyful night and we plan to do more in the future to look out for more on our cafe socials.
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