On Tuesday 5th September our CEO and Founder, Rosalind Bluestone MBE, and Head of Partnerships and Fundraising, Andrew Anastasiou, had the honour of attending an event at the House of Commons that truly embodied the spirit of compassion and support. Guests of Watford MP Dean Russell, the evening was nothing short of inspiring.
The event was attended by many Watford-based Ukrainians who have found refuge in hosted homes in Hertfordshire and who, via the Sunflower Social Club have been provided with a welcoming and supportive environment for people arriving from Ukraine.
The evening brought together members of the club to share their stories and experiences, fostering a sense of community and unity. The highlight of the evening was a deeply moving exhibition and presentation - Hearts in Ukraine and Ukraine in Herts. As we listened to the stories of these resilient Ukrainians who had fled their homeland in search of safety and peace, it was impossible not to be touched by their courage and resilience. Their determination to rebuild their lives in the UK was truly awe-inspiring.
Goods For Good has been working tirelessly in Ukraine since 2014, delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need through our local charity partners. However, since the escalation of internal armed conflict in Ukraine in February 2022, our efforts have intensified. We are committed to supporting those displaced by the conflict as well as refugees fleeing or hiding from violence in the country.
Currently, there are over 174,000 refugees from Ukraine registered in the UK for protection. These Ukrainian evacuees arrive with hardly any belongings, often in desperate need of basic necessities such as clothes, toiletries, and bedding. Goods For Good have been working closely with our corporate partners to source overstocked and surplus goods so we can then distributed them through charity partners like The Sunflower Club, to those who need them the most.
Never could we have imagined we would be needed to help so many people, so differently to escape, to find respite. To create what was needed to feel safe and build confidence in a dual life, whilst their Ukrainian lives are broken. We took the time to listen, because for every Sunflower there is a story. Some heartbreaking. Some heartwarming.
Luther Blissett OBE DL
The Sunflower Social Club was established by Lauren Fox, the partner of Watford legend Luther Blissett and Goods For Good have been proud to support it, sending aid including medical and food supplies to the Ukraine as well as supporting evacuees in the UK.
The evening at the House of Commons was a shining example of how a community can come together to support those in need. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dean Russell MP, Lauren & Luther Blissett OBE DL, and The Former Players Club for their invite but more importantly for their support, both for the charity and Ukrainians in Watford. They are a beacon of hope and light in Watford.
At Goods For Good, our mission has always been to make a difference in the lives of those in need and as we continue our mission to make a difference in the lives of those affected by conflict and crisis, events like these remind us of the power of compassion, unity, and solidarity. Together, we can create a better world for those who need it most. Goods For Good remains committed to our mission, and with the continued support of our partners and supporters, we will continue to provide aid and assistance to those who have been forced to flee their homes and rebuild their lives.
You can find out more about our work supporting Ukraine here.
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