Ukraine

Rotary club punching above its weight for Ukraine

Rotary club punching above its weight for Ukraine

Chepstow & District Rotary Club is a small Rotary club which remains determined to help locally-displaced Ukrainians as well as those in Ukraine.

In 2022, the Welsh club donated £1,000 to the Red Cross Ukraine Appeal and £500 to the Rotary District 1100 appeal to purchase a refurbished ambulance which was sent to Rotary in Kyiv.

At a Christmas Torchlight Carol Service at Tintern Abbey, they enabled the local Ukraine Community Hub Choir from St Briavels, comprising many children and mothers, to sing traditional Ukrainian carols for the 1,000 people present. At the end of the event a bucket collection raised £500 which was donated to the choir.

The club has also helped the Ukraine Community Hub financially and with donations of warm clothing.

The local Ukraine Community Hub Choir performing during a Christmas Torchlight Carol Service at Tintern Abbey.

One of the Rotary club’s associate members, Guy Wilson, has been actively volunteering at the Hub, helping with transport, sourcing computers and giving support where needed.

Chepstow Rotary has been able to spread the word about they have been achieving with discussions with the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, the Deputy Lord Lieutenant and the Secretary of State for Wales.

Their main focus recently has been the launch of a ‘Chepstow Generators for Ukraine’ JustGiving Appeal.

A fellow Rotarian in the Newent club is in a position to supply and deliver them to Ukraine and so far, the campaign has raised just short of £5,000.