The world was thrown into turmoil on 24th February 2022 when Russia invaded the neighbouring country of Ukraine. Many people across the world were horrified and our Government set up the Homes for Ukraine Scheme to provide accommodation for those displaced by the war. My husband and I were one such family who decided to act as hosts. We joined various Facebook groups, one of which was based in South Wales and matched hosts with potential families.
A few video calls to see if we would be compatible and would get along and then the fun of getting visas began. This isn’t the place to go into the difficulties of the process or the lack of governmental support, either before or after they arrived, but I will say it has been a very rewarding experience. The community support, all organised by neighbours and people in our area who wanted to help, has been amazing. From those who have been able to offer lifts when needed to a bicycle to help our lady get to work, it has certainly restored my faith in humanity.
Our family arrived early May and have settle in well. We have had a few issues, as I’m sure most hosts will have. Accepting a family to share your own space is always going to bring challenges (having two kids of 4 and 7 in the house again is fun!) We are lucky that Mum is interested in the same things as us. Marvel films, going to the cinema and music – lots of music.
We have found Mum a job, which is really helping her English. She only spoke a little and the children none but both children are settled in a local school and now we are on the hunt for a permanent home for them.
But what has this to do with a UKQU? There are quilters throughout the world and by chance I happen to follow the Ukrainian Quilters Guild on Facebook which I came to via Ricky Timms Facebook feed. His most recent work was a tribute to the fight in Ukraine featuring the now famous Sunflowers. I’ve always found quilters to be a special bunch frequently working for charities from Linus, Quilts 4 Care Leavers or as gifts to those that are in need of a bit of comfort after a catastrophe. Our little girl was delighted with the Frozen panel I quilted for her for her birthday!
As hosts we are in touch with other hosts and Ukrainian families across the country. Every single Ukrainian family that I have met so far wants to work and earn a living for their family. These families have left every single thing behind; the new bikes (which our family had bought at Christmas), the tools of their trades, toys, clothes, they literally came to us with two suitcases. Just a little help will allow someone to begin to build a new life and support themselves.
With this in mind I heard about a lady who is in search of a sewing machine. She hopes to start build a business making items and needs a sewing machine to do so. Quilters are a generous lot and I was hoping that someone out there knows of a spare sewing machine in the region of North Yorkshire.
If anyone has a spare machine in working order then you can contact me at Strictly Quilting, by email or find me on Facebook and I can put you in touch.
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