The first grant from the Fund set up to help Ukrainians making new lives in Manchester, after fleeing the war in their homeland, has been released.
Ardwick-based charity Europia have been awarded £30,000 by the MCR Ukraine Welcome Fund, which we are administering in partnership with Manchester City Council.
£25,000 of this grant will fund a dedicated support worker who will help co-ordinate and provide advice - for example around immigration, work and welfare issues - and other practical support such as translations.
The remaining £5,000 will be used as part of a new hardship fund for Ukrainians arriving in Manchester, which the support worker will help to administer.
Council Leader Cllr Bev Craig said:
“Manchester is a welcoming city and we recognise that we need to do all we can to support Ukrainians relocating here in the most traumatic of circumstances. The MCR Ukraine Welcome Fund is part of that collective effort. I’m glad that the generosity of Mancunians, including an initial donation from the Council, is translating so quickly into practical help.”
Council chief executive Joanne Roney OBE said:
“The fund has raised over £60,000 so far, and we’d like to thank everyone who has donated, but people are arriving with next to nothing and we would welcome further donations from anyone who wants to show our Ukrainian guests a warm Mancunian welcome.”
Europia chief executive Kush Chottera said:
“We’re delighted this money will be used to employ an experienced worker to give practical support to help Manchester’s Ukrainian arrivals settle in safely. Thank you Mancunians for your donations!”
You can donate to the MCR Ukraine Welcome Fund at www.justgiving.com/campaign/MCRUkraineWelcome, or by texting WELCOME 10 to 70490 to give £10. Max donation £20 per text. Texts cost donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
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