Havering Residents Association Support the Ukraine.

Today, Councillor Gillian Ford from the Havering Residents Association, writes in The Havering Daily.

We have all been touched by the resilience of the Ukrainians as a result of the invasion by Russia and the devastating loss of life and destruction of their communities.

That feeling of helplessness led H.R.A members Oscar Ford and Gillian Ford to think about what they could do to support. They decided to make Ukrainian colour badges for their H.R.A colleagues, asking a minimum of £2.00 per badge with all donations dedicated to the Ukraine appeal. They were so successful that others started asking for badges. Both Oscar and Gillian are Rotarians and will be sending the proceeds of the badge sales through the Hornchurch and Upminster Rotary Club Foundation, where all monies will go direct to the Ukraine appeal. To date they have raised £257.00 and is still rising.

Not content to leave it at that, Havering Resident Association members wanted to do more. They decided that at their group social they would hold a raffle with all proceeds to be added to the badge monies and the Ukraine Appeal. The total monies collected currently sits at £407.50 with more badge money to come.

Councillor Gillian Ford Chair of the H.R.A said “It is a small gesture in the scheme of things but add this to the amazing amount of fund raising other groups and individuals have undertaken, our efforts will not be wasted.”

It is unclear at this stage as to how many Ukrainian refugees Havering will be supporting, but Councillor Gillian Ford has set up the Facebook Group: Havering Ukraine Network so hosts and guests from the Ukraine, can network and provide support and friendship with each other.