Local group helps friends in need with £4000 DEC Ukraine donation
rossonline
Posted On September 12, 2022
A local friendly society has given £4,000 to the Disaster Emergencies Committee’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal.
The donation, made by the North Gloucestershire Branch of the Oddfellows, which has members in Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Herefordshire, is to help DEC’s aid charities deliver relief tothose affected by the conflict.
Explaining why it was important to show support, Alex Walker, Development Officer for North Gloucestershire Oddfellows, said: “Ukraine’s over a thousand miles away, but the desperate situation of many of its civilians is front of mind for us.
“Looking after the welfare of people is central to what we do. We can’t ignore the suffering that so many people have gone through and are still experiencing as a result of the conflict. We had to do our bit. ”
On 9th June this year, the DEC reported that its Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal had raised over £350 million.
The local group’s £4,000 donation is on top of a further £30,207.50 given nationally in May by the Oddfellows to the British Red Cross’ Emergency Ukraine Crisis Appeal. The society has also provided emergency food and baby supplies in response to Ross-on-Wye Kt’s Craft Warehouse’s relief mission to Ukraine.
Over the past 18 months, North Gloucestershire Oddfellows has donated money to Ross Community Gardens, the Blue Cross, CICRA, a charity for children with Crohn’s and Colitis, fundedPPE and medical equipment for a convalescent home in Ross-on-Wye, and to 11 emergency foodbanks across the region.
Alex added: “Charitable giving, especially to support our local community, is very important to us, as well as championing friendship. In fact our motto is ‘Making friends and helping people’.
“Indeed, if anyone has relocated here from Ukraine and feels that they could benefit from some friendly company, you are more than welcome to join us at any of our social events. We have regular meet-ups in Churchdown, Cheltenham and across the county, as well as many online events that are open to all.”
To find out more about North Gloucestershire Oddfellows’activities, or to receive a copy of its latest events diary, contact Alex Walker on 01989 601314 or email alex.walker@oddfellows.co.uk. Future events are also listed online at www.oddfellows.co.uk/events.
