Four local Rotary Clubs, the Clubs of Bilston and Wolverhampton West, Tettenhall, City of Wolverhampton and Wednesfield, have combined to secure £4000 from Rotary Foundation funds in order to help Ukrainian refugees who have arrived in Wolverhampton. It is essential to help the refugees, who have lost everything, both with day to day necessities and with support to help them find their feet in their new environment.
The support from Rotary is being channelled through the Ukrainian Church, Ukrainian Club and community centre and Razom café, which provide a focal point for families and individuals arriving from Ukraine. Anyone who is hosting or meets refugees from Ukraine is encouraged to make them aware of these.
The first of a series of presentations took place on Friday 22nd July when Bob Stolz, President of the Rotary Club of Bilston and Wolverhampton West, presened their club’s delivery of goods under this programme at the Ukrainian Church in Merridale Street West. This consisted of £1000 worth of educational, communication and language items which will be used in the community centre for the benefit of all the new arrivals. He was accompanied by the Presidents of all four Rotary Clubs, including our own Sylvia Morgan,who all wish to welcome our new Ukrainian neighbours.
More presentations are to follow as the refugee families come forward to provide details of shoe and school uniform sizes for children, clothing needs and a wide variety of other items such as pushchairs, cots, musical instruments and the like.
Additionally, the Rotary club of The City of Wolverhampton has made a further £1000 available from our own Community Trust fund.