A Ukrainian-born Salford councillor has spoken of the importance that continued donations make to those affected by the ongoing war against Russia.
Last year, there were many fundraising projects in the UK and Salford such as the donation centres that sorted goods to be transported to Poland and Ukraine. A year later, the need for support and aid is just as strong as the war carries on.
Labour councillor, Tanya Burch, of Ordsall ward, said: “It’s just unprecedented, the support of Ukrainians and those across the world.
“At the start of the war we had so many donations of food and clothing that they had to be turned away. It was challenging and quite expensive, so it was better to send money.
“The beautiful thing was the heart of Salfordians, they were overflowing with solidarity and compassion.”
Ms Burch said: “It is a massive challenge nationwide, I guess it would be in Salford as well with the housing shortage. There will definitely be a challenge ahead.
“The rules and arrangements are being created as we go along because it’s unprecedented, the sheer numbers of people and sheer scale of the humanitarian crisis means that homelessness could be a challenge, however Salford is doing everything in our power to help.
“It is a challenge but the kindness of people’s heart is remarkable, many hosts are allowing refugees to stay longer.”
Ms Burch is a Governor for Oasis academy and the children there painted pictures in support of Ukrainian people. She is passing these on to Ukrainian soldiers.
She said: “Generosity is not just money and goods, but also support and spiritual support to encourage Ukrainian people and soldiers.”
Ms Burch is looking into support Ukrainian veterans through a rehabilitation centre near her hometown in Lviv. She said: “I live in Britain, but my heart is in Ukraine”.
The councillor and her sister are looking to fundraise for a church in Ukraine, helping victims of the war with both physical and psychological trauma.
She continued: “A veteran almost implies an older person but they’re not, so many are extremely young in their 20s, 30s. I’ve seen some who have lost three limbs.
“These are fully functioning and able-bodied men, now they sit in a wheelchair missing one, two or three limbs, totally dependent on others.
“A majority of men aged 18-60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine. Women and children left the country and I’ve heard so many stories of wives who have left their husbands, they start building their lives abroad where it is safe for their children. I guess I understand the temptation but that doesn’t make the pain less for these lads.
“Ukraine are fighting for all of us.”
Ms Burch’s nephew, who is in Kyiv, has a charity that helps local residents. They provide resources such as medicine, food, transport and coordinating humanitarian aid from abroad quickly. More details about the website can be found here.
Wolodymyr Kowalyszyn, 63, is a volunteer for the Ukrainian Cultural Centre ‘Dnipro’ in Cheetham Hill and on the committee for The Ukrainian Catholic Church on Bury Old Road in Salford.
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