Fundraising effort to help Ukrainian children visit Dumfries and Galloway
A group of 27 children from the east of the country will be coming to the region in August following the success of a similar trip last year.
Children from war-torn Ukraine are set to visit Dumfries and Galloway – if a fundraising effort is successful.
A group of 27 children from the east of the country will be coming to the region in August following the success of a similar trip last year.
All of the children have either lost parents or close relatives during the war or have family volunteering on the frontline, which is just 25km from their homes in Lyubotin, near Kharkiv.
The trip aims to give the youngsters some respite from the horrors of war and they'll be staying at Abernethy's Barcaple Outdoor Centre near Ringford with their teachers – but funds are needed to make sure the trip happens.
Centre director, Dave Crudgington, said: 'The group had an amazing time staying in at Abernethy Barcaple, going on activities in the local area especially enjoying mountain biking and rock climbing.
'The community in Kirkcudbright warmly supported the group last year, giving them seats of honour at the Kirkcudbright Tattoo and from donations from the Rotary group.
'Ukrainian flags were flown at all town halls and many public buildings across Dumfries and Galloway in a show of support for the struggles of the Ukraine people while they were here last August. The group were really encouraged for the support they received while they were here with us.
'This year we are planning a Burns supper and ceilidh to give them a truly Scottish experience!
'Abernethy have committed to fully funding the trip this year and due to success of last year's trip there are nine more children coming. To pay for all the visas, flights, transport and a 12 night stay at Abernethy Barcaple we need to raise £36,000.
'Currently we have £26,000 donated or pledged but need help to raise the final amount.
Last year's trip happened after Abernethy was approached by Simon Lidwell and Tatyana Bondarenko from St John's Church in Dumfries. Tatyana is herself a refugee from the war with Russia who lives in Dumfries and is also a committee member of the Hallmuir POW Chapel and cultural heritage centre near Lockerbie.
She wanted to help a group of children from the Kharkiv region who had been taking part in online conversations with volunteers in Dumfries and learning about places in Scotland.
The trip came together with thanks to the Help Lyubotin organisation, chapel members, MOOL and the Quartz group at John's Church. Dumfries Lions Club and Kirkcudbright Rotary Club were among the groups that helped provide with fundraising.
This year, the Murray usher Foundation has donated £1,000 and Kirkcudbright Rotary has provided £1,400.
Lockarbie Rotary are providing a trip to an Alpaca farm as well as fish and chips, with Station House Cookery School in Kirkcudbright donating a morning of cookery classes.
Thanks go to them and all other groups and people who have supported the visit.
• To support the fundraising appeal, click here.
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