The organisers of a Welwyn Garden City fundraising dinner for Ukraine were ‘overwhelmed’ by the support witnessed as the community flocked to the event.
Held at the Focolare Centre on Saturday night, tickets sold out in 48 hours, with attendees raising money to support Ukraine following Russia’s invasion last month.
Diners enjoyed delicious Ukrainian food provided by the Taste It, a Polish restaurant based in Hatfield, as well as being educated about the country through a presentation and learning the national anthem.
Michal Siewniak helped organise the event and was delighted with the generosity shown by those who attended.
“We were overwhelmed with the amount of support for our fundraising dinner,” he said.
“All tickets sold out in 48 hours, and it just shows that although the war in Ukraine is still affecting us all, we are all keen to make a difference.
“Each act of generosity, however small, helps to bring hope and comfort to those, who are forced to flee and abandon their homes and native country.
“For me, one of the most moving moments of the event was the presence of Irina, a Ukrainian refugee, who arrived in Stevenage in Hertfordshire only a week ago. Let’s hope that she, and members of her family, feel our huge support.
“Let’s also hope that a similar fundraising event will be organised in the future as there is a huge community appetite for it.”
Elena Protic, a Ukrainian national who has been living in the UK since 2014, was moved by the support shown, adding: “I am very grateful to everyone who took part in organising this event. The team was fantastic.
“I would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came. The level of support was extremely high.
“It is hard to express my feelings when I saw gifts and a video made by children from Stevenage. It was so moving.
“Living thousands of miles away from Ukraine, they showed their solidarity and support to Ukrainian children. I am speechless. This gesture touched the bottom of my heart.”
Reverend Emma Hopegood Jones, parish priest of St Mary Magdalene Church and event co-organiser added: "We are delighted at the huge support and generosity that has been shown by the whole community towards the people of Ukraine, and the huge success of our incredible fundraising dinner."
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