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"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in." – Matthew 25:35
A donation of £8,477 from the Diocese of Monmouth has helped Ukrainian refugees across Wales strengthen community connections, celebrate their cultural heritage and support the wellbeing of families rebuilding their lives after displacement.
The funding, raised through Archbishop Cherry Vann's 2022 Lent Appeal, was distributed through the Welsh Refugee Council and has supported a range of community initiatives designed to foster inclusion, wellbeing and resilience among Ukrainians living in Wales.
The donation enabled:
- Ukrainia participation in the Welsh Refugee Council's Mini World Cup football tournament, helping refugees build friendships, develop confidence and celebrate diversity through sport.
- Fifty members of the Ukrainian community to attend the Krayoviy Zdvyh Festival, providing an opportunity to reconnect with their culture, traditions and heritage.
- Creative and cultural activities for Ukrainian refugee children through the Ethno DNA project, supporting wellbeing and a sense of identity.
- Activities delivered by the Golden Time Club, promoting wellbeing, social connection and digital inclusion among older Ukrainians.
- Ongoing work to strengthen Ukraine Hub Cymru Wales, a community network providing practical and emotional support to Ukrainians across Wales.
Reflecting on the impact of the funding, Olena Campbell of Monmouthshire County Council said: “Being able to wear a proper kit in their country's colours made the team feel immensely proud.”
Olga Shatova, who attended the Krayoviy Zdvyh Festival, added: “This festival gave us the opportunity to feel that we are not alone and not forgotten.”
The Diocese of Monmouth has welcomed the positive impact the appeal has had on those forced to leave their homes because of conflict.
Bishop Cherry says: “God invites us to be generous with what he has given us. This is just one more example of how God is able to use and to bless what we give and what we share. “It is inspiring to see how gifts given through Lent Appeal have helped Ukrainians find friendship, preserve their cultural identity and build new lives in Wales. We continue to hold the Ukrainian community, and all those displaced by conflict, in our prayers, and give thanks for the work of the Welsh Refugee Council.”
The project highlights the lasting difference that local generosity can make, helping displaced people not only meet practical needs but also find belonging, dignity and hope as they establish new lives in Wales.
