The Walden community continues in their efforts to support people in invaded Ukraine.
St Mary's Church, Saffron Walden
Saturday's concert at St Mary's Church has raised £4,844.49 including Gift Aid for the Ukraine and concluded with a standing ovation.
There were 200 people in the audience, 40 choir members and musicians taking part.
The concert predominantly focussed on the themes of peace, hope and remembrance.
A poem by the poet George Szirtes had been specifically written for the occasion. As well as choir and solo pieces, the concert included piano, organ and French horn and piano pieces.
Introducing the concert, the Rector, the Rev’d Jeremy Trew, said there was joy in coming and working together even at this sad time.
Kateryna Shotropa, with her family has been collecting and sorting donations to take to Ukraine, was warmly applauded. She said she was amazed how the community has come together in support.
The Mayor, Councillor Richard Porch, said that there was a collection bucket in the Tourist Information Centre in Market Square to collect funds to transport these donations to Ukraine.
All proceeds have been divided between Ukrainian appeals by The British Red Cross, UNICEF and WITH Ukraine which is a special fund set up by the Ukrainian Embassy in London.
Town Council
Saffron Walden Mayor Richard Porch and the town council continue to support Kateryna Shotropa and her family with their collection and delivery of much needed emergency supplies to Ukraine.
A further delivery will take place next week. Kateryna and her family have been bearing the cost of the van, fuel and ferries to do the deliveries that cost approximately £1,200 each time there and back.
The Tourist Information Centre now has a list of the items needed for these deliveries and Kateryna’s Facebook page is regularly updated with current needs.
Residents who wish to donate to help Kateryna with these costs can do so through the Saffron Walden Tourist Information Centre.
Kateryna can also be contacted by emailing her at katyshotroba@gmail.com.
A different charity, called British Ukraine Aid, is also collecting money via https://british-ukrainianaid.org/ Direct donations allow the charity to claim a Gift Aid contribution.
VIDEO
Fairycroft House, Saffron Walden
Fairycroft House's All Star Jam Night was lit up in blue and yellow in support of the Ukrainian crisis. A number of songs were dedicated to the people of Ukraine and there was a collection to support refugees.
Saffron Walden residents
Gary Ball put an appeal on the Saffron Walden residents Facebook page and asked residents to bring any goods to The Common.
"As you will see from the photos, the response was amazing and this was after one load had already been taken to Shelford memorial. The generosity and kindness of people was quite overwhelming."
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service has collected enough donations from businesses, residents and colleagues to fill two 7.5 tonne lorries to be delivered to the Polish border this week for refugees fleeing Ukraine.
In just over a week and a half, donations have filled more than 300 boxes.
Fire Safety Officer Joanna Lisowska-Dyer got in touch with contacts she has in the Polish Fire Service who will be distributing the donations at the Polish border.
Joanna said: “We are truly grateful for every donation we have received and have been overwhelmed by the public’s generosity.
“So far, we’ve filled just over 300 boxes with essential items like nappies, wet wipes, tinned food and pet food. We’re on track to fill two 7.5 tonne lorries which will deliver these essential supplies to people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
“I’d like to say a big big thank you to everyone who has taken the time to help us with this appeal. From our staff who have kindly volunteered to sort through donations and have given their time and donations generously.
“And a big thank you to our public and local businesses who have been so generous. Every single donation will make such a difference to people whose lives have been turned upside down."
If you have been doing something to support the people in Ukraine, please get in touch.
READ MORE:
Ukraine support: 'Heartfelt thanks' and further Uttlesford events
Candle-lit vigil to show solidarity, buildings lit in blue and yellow, aid flies out from Stansted
Uttlesford community rallies as video and images come in from Ukraine
In pictures: Latest Ukraine support from Felsted, Great Dunmow, Great Bardfield, and Flitch Green
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