Billingshurst Lions sponsor 50 blankets for Ukraine
At their latest Meeting, Billingshurst & District Lions Club voted unanimously to sponsor 50 blankets for war torn Ukraine, in support of a Lions UK appeal. Lions Club International - British Isles, based in Birmingham, is collecting blankets for sending to the Centre for Children and Youth Creativity in Ivankiv Village in Kyiv region, northern Ukraine.
The Centre is an Institution located in a two story brick building with a basement and houses extracurricular education facilities for up to 200 children. It is a shelter and refuge where children can escape the horrors of war. As Winter sets in and bombardments increase, the children seek refuge in the basement which is cold and has no heating.
A blanket is more than warmth; it provides comfort, hope and a reminder that the world has not forgotten them. Involving all Lions Clubs in the British Isles, Billingshurst Lions members had no hesitation in supporting this latest worthwhile humanitarian venture.
Since the war began, Billingshurst Lions have previously supported various initiatives providing help for Ukrainians, including - contributing towards funding English lessons for Ukrainian children and adults arriving in the UK, until the children could start school and parents found work, where their English rapidly improved. The Club also provided funding for a school uniform for one family and a child’s bedding for another.
Lions Clubs in Ukraine, including the oldest club in Svyatogorsk, continue to operate despite the ongoing conflict, providing humanitarian aid, raising funds and supporting refugees.
Early in the conflict, Finnish Lions supported Ukraine by launching an international appeal for wood burning stoves, wood being the only fuel available, enabling people to cook and providing heat and light. Through the combined efforts of Lions Clubs both in Europe and around the world, 8,100 stoves were supplied during the first year. With the situation in Ukraine worsening, especially in the East, the aim is to supply 15,000 stoves this year, towards which. Billingshurst Lions have contributed a total £2,000.
Joan Bobker, Chair of Community Service, says, “It is distressing to see the devastation being caused, but it is heartening that with the combined efforts of Lions Clubs in Ukraine and around the world, we can at least alleviate some of the suffering for the people involved and supplying blankets means that the UK and Billingshurst Lions can help in some small way”.
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