from Cllr David Hitchiner, Leader of Herefordshire Council and Chairman of the Council, Cllr Sebastian Bowen
Chairman of the Council, Cllr Sebastian Bowen
I stated in my speech to Full Council on Friday (4 March 2022) that I knew that Herefordshire has always been known as a generous County and you have made me very proud to learn of your swift and magnificent generosity in response to the request for aid to the citizens of Ukraine.
It is very heartening to see that the Ukrainian Army is putting up a remarkable and powerful response to the vile onslaught by Russia. I hope that the rapid and generous answer to the call for aid will not only bring them some physical help but also let all Ukrainians know that we are in full support of them, both in material aid and in our very best wishes for them and their Nation.
In practical terms, I understand that many Parish churches are acting as collection points and Halo has also offered its centres as collection. I believe that both money and materials are piling up! I am told that the first seven ton lorry load of materials is at this moment, making its way to Poland and the Ukrainian border.
The details of collection sites across the county are available on the Talk Community website, if you would like to make a donation of money please use the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal fund details on this page.
With very best wishes and many thanks for your truly wonderful generosity.
Disasters Emergency Committee
Charities are in Ukraine and neighbouring countries meeting the needs of all refugees and displaced people:
You can donate:
- Online
- Phone: 0370 60 60 900
- SMS: To donate £10 text SUPPORT to 70150. Texts cost £10 plus the standard network charge and the whole £10 goes to the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. You must be 16 or over and please ask the bill payer’s permission. (Full terms and conditions and more information are available on the DEC website)
- Or donate over the counter at any high street bank or post office or send a cheque by post to Post: DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, PO Box 999, London EC3A 3AA.
Local Support
If you would like to find out what support is available locally, then the Hereford Help for Ukraine Facebook group has more information.
There is more information and advice available on our Talk Community website.
Feb 28
Cllr David Hitchiner, Leader of Herefordshire Council
I was coming into the Council Offices this morning listening to the news from Ukraine, reflecting on the statements being made nationally and wondering what response was appropriate from us in the Council
We have real connections with Ukraine.
For many years Herefordshire has relied upon workers from Eastern Europe, Ukraine included, to work here. Some have stayed and are bringing up their families here. Many of us travel internationally and might have visited Ukraine. We have a strong global presence in the security industry and there are workers from Herefordshire in Ukraine providing services.
Given the seriousness of war breaking out in Europe today for the first time in over 80 years It is appropriate for me, on behalf of the Council, to send a message of solidarity and sympathy to all democratically elected representatives of the government and of councils across Ukraine and to the people of Ukraine whom they all serve and represent.
The fabric and freedom of their society is under threat and our support, thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult and distressing time.
On behalf of the Council I want to reach out to Ukrainians living in our County. Our thoughts are with you and our residents who have friends and family in the region. If we are able to support you, please let us know.