Torbay Council has donated £25,000 to support those in need who are fleeing from the atrocity in Ukraine.
The donation approved at the Council meeting held on 3 March will be made to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal to support the people of Ukraine. The UK Government will match donations up to £20m, meaning that this will result in £50,000 to support the people of Ukraine.
Torbay residents who would like to support the humanitarian effort are encouraged to make charitable donations though reputable aid organisations. Advice from the British Red Cross and The Salvation Army is charities working on the ground in Ukraine are closest to the people that need help and will be some of the best informed on how to use donations to the greatest impact.
Whilst it is recognised that people want to do something practical to help, sending shipments of physical items is expensive, time consuming and creates additional burdens for charities working on the front line to sort and store items.
A dedicated ‘Torbay stands with Ukraine’ page has been set up on the Council’s website. Local residents are able to find details of national agencies taking donations directly to support those affected by the conflict, in addition to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal.
Torbay has a large eastern European community, many who may have loved ones living in and fleeing Ukraine. Torbay residents are encouraged to support their neighbours, friends and colleagues by checking in on those who may be affected. The latest guidance and support for family members of British nationals in Ukraine, and Ukrainian nationals in Ukraine and the UK is available via www.gov.uk/world/coming-to-the-uk-ukraine
In anticipation of UK local authorities being asked to offer homes to Ukrainian refugees, the council is renewing its plea to those who may be able to offer suitable self-contained accommodation to get in touch with the housing team on community.safetyadmin@torbay.gov.uk
Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of the Council, said; “The men, women and children of Ukraine are currently living through unimaginable circumstances and many of us want to support this humanitarian crisis. We were unanimous in our decision that we should make a donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal to support Ukrainians fleeing to safety.”
Cllr Christine Carter, Cabinet Member for Corporate and Community Services for Torbay Council, said; “We are all aware of the horrific attacks on the innocent people in Ukraine. Torbay has a great history of helping those displaced from war and as a community we will continue to support where we can both now and in the future. My prayers and thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Full details on how Torbay is supporting Ukraine can be found on Torbay Councils website. www.torbay.gov.uk/ukraine
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