The Ukraine crisis was discussed at the monthly Ilkley Community Network meeting, the group engages the Ilkley Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS), local businesses and Ilkley/Bradford Councils, MP, all working together towards shared goals.
Ilkley Town Council will fly a Ukraine flag asap from the Brook Street Flag Pole, Cllr Mark Stidworthy Ilkley Town Mayor said: “I hope we can get a flag flying soon, and please accept my deepest sympathy for the whole Ukrainian community at the terrible events that are unfolding.”
Bradford Council will also be doing the same at the flag pole at Ilkley Town Hall.
Chair of the ICN David Shaw said: “We’ll will look into getting permission for supportive symbols on the Grove encouraging businesses to use ribbons/flags etc and try to obtain flags from the Ukrainian club, turning the town yellow and blue. We encouraging neighbours to display sunflowers and the Ukrainian colours.”
With regards to collections of items the Bradford Ukrainian Club is happy to take items, but money donations at this time are preferred.
“Our local Ukrainian communities need our emotional support” said Claire Macina from Carers' Resource. Claire with Carers Resource will collect toiletries only and take them to the Bradford Ukrainian Club. These items are sanitary products, nappies, paracetamol, ibuprofen, baby wipes, deodorant, shampoo, nappy cream they must be all new and unopened. These can leave in Claire’s porch, 36 St. John’s Road in Ben Rhydding.
Tesco on Springs Lane in Ilkley are supporting the British Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal with store bucket collections, the Rotary Club of Ilkley Wharfdale are assisting & hopefully students from Ilkley Grammar School.
Sarita Prashar, Ilkley’s store manager, said: “The Red cross have said that the immediate need for support is through financial donations, as opposed to supplies such as food and clothes.
“Therefore, at Tesco we will be running instore bucket collections, any donations will be greatly appreciated.
“From Tuesday 8 March to Monday 21 March donations can also be made by 'rounding up at the till' this is simply done at the till point whereby you can round up to the nearest pound and the donation is made.”
In the UK, Tesco Mobile calls to Ukraine are now free for those trying to reach family or friends. Customers using Tesco international calling cards can make calls to and from Ukraine for free too.
Both Rotary Clubs in Ilkley visited Silsden on Saturday to place flowers on the Ukraine & Refugee memorial there. The monumental plaque is at Daleswater Mews, Ings Way, off Howden Road, the site where a hostel to accommodate refugees from Eastern Europe was based after the 2nd World War.
Flowers were laid at the memorial by the Two Rotary Clubs in Ilkley. Members of Bradford & Keighley Ukraine Clubs were in attendance.
You can donate Direct to the central appeal fund - Barclays Bank, Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain Limited, 80038237, 20-65-89, with reference HelpUkraine
The fundraising page is: http://gofundme.com/helpukraine
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) is the largest representative body for Ukrainians and those of Ukrainian descent in the UK. It exists to develop, promote and support the interests of the Ukrainian community in the UK.
For more information on Rotary in Ilkley contact davidshawmbe@outlook.com – 07740797281 pictures taken by RTN Chris Short of Ilkley Wharfedale Club.
The Ilkley Freemasons opened their doors at the weekend to support the Ukrainian relief effort, receiving donations both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.