Macclesfield Ukraine aid group volunteer and host responds to invasion anniversary
A volunteer who founded one of Macclesfield's two Ukraine aid group's has spoke on the anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Macclesfield resident Jeanette Rice, who is also a host in the Homes for Ukraine scheme, is the co-founder of One Project Ukraine.
She has made multiple trips to Ukraine delivering goods, and sends of packages each week full of dry food or medical supplies.
Macclesfield Nub News spoke to Jeanette on Friday morning before observing a two minutes silence for Ukraine.
"I find today a really, really sad day," she said.
"Within our Ukrainian community of Macclesfield, Bollington and Congleton here are a few individuals who do want to gather together to recognise what has happened over the past year.
"However, the majority of people want to be alone, and reflect in their own company.
"I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone for your support over the past 365 days.
"It has been so heartwarming to know all the time and the effort the community has put in, especially during a cost of living crisis."
Jeanette, who co-runs One Project Ukraine with her partner Craig, has the spare time to help as she used to own Gradus on Park Green but has since retired.
She lives in Macclesfield with Craig and a young Ukrainian woman.
"I feel so privileged to have met so many beautiful, brave and hard-working people in the Ukrainian community," she added.
"For them to come here and try to live a life here when they want to go home, it is challenging. For them to create a sense of normality for their children is tough.
"This is an event in life that these families will live with for the rest of their lives.
"Hand on heart I don't think I would have been able to do what they did, to leave their lives and do what some of these Ukrainians have done.
"I'd also like to thank One Project Macclesfield who run a recycling and gardening outfit in the same building as us."
First aid kits are also a common donation. (Image - Alexander Greensmith / Macclesfield Nub News)
Of the items currently needed as donations, the most sought after are generators and solar banks which will help families to keep in touch as they can't charge their phones via mains electricity over there.
Wintergear is also appreciated, as is kettle food such as dried packets of rice, couscous or pasta. Basic medical is also sorely needed.
One Project Ukraine focuses on helping everyday Ukrainians whether in Macclesfield or Mariupol, Odessa or Over Alderley.
"A simple thing you could buy are hands and feet warmers which you can get really cheap from the B&M stores in Macclesfield," she revealed.
"If you are able to afford a little more, heavy duty sleeping bags are also essential.
"I would also like to give special thanks to the Park Tavern pub, they have been kind to let their cinema be used to put on movies for Ukrainian kids in the Macclesfield area.
"Just today we have had the Paddington films on [which Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced]. We put English subtitles on as well [so there can be a learning aspect] and there's popcorn as well to make it a really nice day out.
"Looking forward to the near future, our goals are to keep supporting the people of Ukraine in Macclesfield and over there, as well as keep doing our church event for the community every Saturday."
Macclesfield: One Project Ukraine can be followed on Facebook.
If you want to sign up to the Homes for Ukraine scheme in Macclesfield, please click here.
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