A WEEK of events is taking place next month to enable Islanders to show their support for Ukraine, and stand ‘shoulder to shoulder’ with victims of the conflict.
The events mark the anniversary of Ukraine’s declaration of independence from the Soviet Union 31 years ago, on 24 August. As Russia tries to reverse the country’s independence with its catastrophic invasion, Islanders are coming together to raise money to support Ukrainians affected by the war.
The charity Jersey Side by Side, which specialises in supporting victims of war and natural disasters, is organising a programme of fundraisers and commemorations on behalf of the Bailiff’s Ukrainian Appeal.
Michel Le Troquer, chairman of Jersey Side by Side, said: ‘Jersey has stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine since the invasion began on 24 February.’
He added: ‘I believe that Jersey’s Ukraine Week will clearly demonstrate Jersey’s continuing support for Ukraine, while also raising more money for those so badly affected by this senseless conflict.’
Events will begin on Sunday 21 August with a ‘human flag’ – a mass gathering of people wearing either blue or yellow to recreate the Ukrainian flag, an idea born out of the success of the Side by Side beach event after the 2004 tsunami.
There will also be live music, activities for children and a demonstration of a mine clearance.
On Wednesday 24 August, workers are being encouraged to wear blue and yellow and to organise their own fundraisers in workplaces.
There will be stalls in the town centre throughout the day selling Ukrainian food, artisan crafts, and merchandise, and sharing information about the work of charities on the ground.
People who choose to donate online will be given the option to choose how their money will be spent.
A special dinner and auction will be held that evening, featuring talks from members of the Ukrainian community in Jersey.
And on Saturday 27 August there will be a Ukrainian market day in St Helier, with Ukrainian food, products, music and demonstrations of some of the equipment bought through donations.
Islanders and businesses are also being urged to hold their own events, ranging from dinner parties for friends and quizzes to yellow and blue dress-down days in the office and car washes.
Mr Le Troquer said: ‘Starting with a candlelit vigil in Royal Square, the appeal has raised and distributed almost £2.3 million of assistance, including essential medical supplies, ballistic vests and helmets for front-line medics, incubators for premature babies and mine-clearance training courses for Ukrainian women.
‘The Island has also collected and sent 15 lorry-loads of donations and supplied 200 surplus oxygen concentrators from Jersey’s hospital.’
He added: ‘Ukrainian flags flutter over every corner of our Island and we have been privileged to welcome several Ukrainian families fleeing the conflict.’
The concert by Les Conteurs Singers and Jersey Premier Brass held on 23 June raised £705 for the Bailiff’s Appeal, while the Salvation Army music night on Tuesday raised £900 for the Salvation Army corps working in Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the total from a recent concert held in the Town Church is still being counted.
