We have joined forces with local Chichester-based charity Children on the Edge, who we have worked closely with before, to get vital funds directly to aid workers who are on the ground in Romania and Moldova providing food, shelter and clothing to Ukrainian families crossing the border.
Head of our Charities Committee, Mrs Helen Barker, said: “We have spoken to people in direct contact with these aid workers and an example of a pressing need at the moment is for money to help heat and run the centre where refugees are being hosted in Chișinău. They desperately need our help to do this.
“We have set up a JustGiving page, and our donations will go directly to Children on the Edge who will keep us informed with updates we can share with the children at Westbourne and our wider community. If you would like to help we would really appreciate it."
Please support and donate.
You can also come to our Chapel Choir Concert on Wednesday 23 March 2022.
Update from Eloise Armstrong, Fundraising Manager:
As we’re seeing on the news, over 1.5 million Ukrainians have already crossed the borders to neighbouring countries, including Romania and Moldova.
More than 200,000 refugees have entered Moldova, equivalent to 10% of the population of this small country. Our donations to Children on the Edge are helping in Moldova already. Children on the Edge is providing beds, heating and fuel to keep the accommodation centres warm, and food for families arriving.
Children on the Edge are also monitoring the situation with their Romanian partner organisations to find out how they can best help them support arriving Ukrainians in Romania. You can stay updated with Children on the Edge’s response here.
Thank you so much to everyone who has so generously donated to Westbourne House’s Ukraine appeal. We are just overwhelmed that you have raised over £4,500 in a matter of days. Receiving vital funds so quickly has already helped us respond immediately on the ground in Moldova, and to continue to assess what is needed to support refugees and the communities welcoming them in Romania” Eloise Armstrong, Fundraising Manager, Children on the Edge
Update from Ben Wilkes, Chief Operation Officer, Children on the Edge:
Lucia is founder of the Speranta centre in Chisinau, Moldova which provides specialist support for children with disabilities, and she is now leading the response to the Ukrainian crisis in Moldova for Children on the Edge.
Currently Lucia is using her centre as a reception and transit centre for Ukrainian refugees. As initial refugees were looking to move through Moldova, her request was for help with clothes, washing facilities, cleaners, food and funds for onward train tickets and we have been able to send her an initial donation.
Lucia is also working with other local organisations to support a local 200+ bed centre for refugees, providing them with vital supplies.
Thank you to everyone has donated so far - your generosity is already making a huge difference.