Fundraising and support for Ukraine

Details of national fundraising for the people of Ukraine and other areas of support can be found below.

Fundraising

The Polish Club in Loughborough is collecting items to send to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland. More information is on their Facebook page.

The Council is supporting these efforts and working with local organisers.

There are national fundraising campaigns:

• Ukraine Crisis Appeal | British Red Cross
• Ukraine Appeal | Donate | Save the Children UK
• WithUkraine
• Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal - The UK Government will match public donations to this appeal pound-for-pound starting with £20 million.
• Find a registered charity - Search for a registered charity via the UK Government website.

The Government has issued a news story entitled 'What you can do to help' that contains a number of ways you can help support the people of Ukraine. You can read it on the Gov.uk website.

UK businesses and charities sending goods 

UK businesses can contact the Export Support Service for questions relating to the situation in Ukraine and Russia. 

The government advises against businesses sending charitable goods to Ukraine. Exports may be subject to customs declarations, checks, and duty and border taxes. Your donation could be delayed getting to people in need. Donate to a registered charity or trusted scheme instead. 

The Charity Commission has published guidance for charities fundraising for Ukraine. 

The government has published guidance for charities and trustees on the most commonly asked questions. 

SIM cards for Ukrainian citizens

Refugease have teamed up with Vodafone to offer free SIM cards to Ukrainian refugees arriving in the UK.

A few points to note:

• The SIM cards are pre-loaded and each come with 20GB data each month plus unlimited calls and texts for a period of six months.
• Any Ukrainian citizen arriving in the UK via the government’s resettlement scheme is eligible.
• Hosts can apply on behalf of their new tenants, or the user can apply themselves.
• Please ensure that you have a confirmed arrival date before applying. Applications will not be processed from those whose visa application is not yet complete.
• Please complete the form in the link above to apply. Applications will be processed and SIM cards sent within seven days.

Full details, including the application process, can be found on the Refugease website.

Eurovision Song Contest 2023 tickets for displaced people from Ukraine

Applications for the ballot for tickets for displaced people from Ukraine for the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 are now open.

The government is providing these subsidised tickets to ensure that people displaced by the war in Ukraine are able to attend the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool. Individuals on the Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Extension Scheme, and Ukraine Family Scheme are welcome to apply.

How to apply

To apply you will need to complete the application form, providing your name, email address, and which show or shows you wish to enter the ballot for.

Apply for tickets via the Gov.uk website

Show of support

The Council has showed its support for the people of Ukraine in a number of ways. We have been flying the Ukrainian flag at its Southfields office and also lit our main office in blue and yellow at night

Council leader Jonathan Morgan has also taken part in a meeting at the Polish Community Centre with Polish vice-consul Patryk Gowin.

The Ukrainian community met outside Loughborough Town Hall on February 24, 2023 to show their solidarity, one year on since the Russian invasion. Local councillors also attended the event where prayers, a moment of reflection and the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem took place. The Sockman was also dressed up in the colours of the Ukrainian flag.