Lincolnshire Community Foundation launches Ukranian Refugee Appeal for refugees arriving in Greater Lincolnshire
Following the recent lifechanging events in Ukraine, Trustees at Lincolnshire Community Foundation felt it only right to launch an appeal to support refugees arriving in Greater Lincolnshire to ensure they receive the support they need, ensuring individuals and families feel welcome and able to re-settle here. The call to action from local communities has been astonishing, people have clearly demonstrated they want to help ease the suffering of those Ukranian people who are fleeing their homeland. What the Foundation would like to do, along with partners, is be prepared to welcome refugees as and when they arrive in Lincolnshire.
The Foundation has set up this Appeal to compliment the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal, so we can welcome refugees into Greater Lincolnshire. A TotalGiving Page https://www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/LincolnshireCF-Ukraine has been created to accept and facilitate monetary donations and every penny raised will go directly to help refugees. The Foundation will not deduct the charity’s running costs from any donation.
Money raised will be used to provide essential items, not already covered by National or Local Government, including giving refugees the opportunity to choose for themselves what they need to make their lives better, as they come to terms with their new environment. Funds may also be distributed to local community groups, charities and organisations delivering vital, practical and meaningful support to those who need it, including the cost of removing language barriers, teaching English skills and essential living expenses and will be delivered alongside partner agencies to avoid duplication, so we can be confident money is reaching those who really need support.
The number of refugees arriving in our county is, as yet, unknown, but it’s important we are ready to offer immediate financial assistance now and in the future. The fund will offer a lifeline to many who will arrive in the UK with little or few possessions at all.
Lincolnshire communities have already demonstrated their empathy with the plight of the Ukranian people. This is another way we can all express our support for those in dire need.
Sue Fortune, CEO at Lincolnshire Community Foundation says:
“Recent events in Ukraine have disrupted and are devastating millions of lives. Whole families don’t know where to turn and many countries are stepping up to the mark and offering practical help, welcoming refugees. The Foundation wants to emulate this welcome for those who arrive in Lincolnshire and we need financial support to do so. Please give whatever you can, however small because every penny raised will help someone displaced
from their home. Staff and Trustees at the Community Foundation are committed to supporting refugees in the best way possible to help them integrate, create a sense of belonging and ensure their needs are met as they begin a new life here.”
Quote from Councillor Mrs Patricia Anne Bradwell OBE, Deputy Leader of the Council, Lincolnshire County Council:
“We have all seen the terrible pictures of women and children leaving their homes, taking with them only what they can carry. It is clear from the people’s generosity so far that this has really touched people’s hearts. We’re grateful to the Community Foundation for establishing a local fund for donations to help those who come into Lincolnshire. This will support new arrivals to enjoy some ‘normal’ activities that we all take for granted like choosing new clothes or enjoying social activities, as well as providing essentials. The Community Foundation may not be well known to you but is long established. I hope you’ll be able to support this local fund”.
Quote from Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of the Council, North Kesteven District Council:
“The tragedy unfolding in Ukraine is on a terrible scale and its heart breaking to see families having to flee their own country with few possessions and little means of support. Lincolnshire councils are doing everything we can to be ready to respond to the government’s call for action and are actively planning to welcome refugees into the county. As part of this I’m really pleased to see Lincolnshire Community Foundation taking steps to encourage local donations which will help fund the goods they need and some of the costs of settling locally. Supporting this approach will make a real difference and I thank everyone who feels able to make a contribution in this way”
About Lincolnshire Community Foundation
Lincolnshire Community Foundation is a local independent registered charity founded in 2002 and part of the network of 47 Community Foundations across the UK delivering positive outcomes for People and Places. Our work is grounded in the value of #ChangeNotCharity. The Foundation has, since its inception, distributed upwards of £17M to benefit people across Greater Lincolnshire with emphasis on small grants delivering a big difference. https://lincolnshirecf.co.uk/