People are united in support of Ukraine
THE community came together in support of the Ukrainian people again this week.
Two Hyndburn Academy students were among those attending a peace vigil in Cutwood Park, Rishton on March 17.
Shamrez read a poem, while Asmaa recalled her time in Syria before she fled with her family highlighting how important a refugee programme is.
Rev Eddie Carr, of event organisers St Peter & St Paul’s Church, said everyone “wants to help and just do something”.
“We feel powerless watching the awful scenes from Ukraine on TV,” he told the Observer.
“The Vigil for Peace was a chance to come together to show our support and to offer our prayers.
“We chose to do it outside in the park rather than in the church so that we could reach as many people as possible. Afterward we had a chance to catch up in the warmth of the Rishton Arms.
“It really was amazing to see so many people from all walks of life coming together. The little flickers of candlelight really made us all think that hope never dies, darkness never truly takes over and evil never wins.
“I asked everyone to take home their candles, keep the light shining and the prayers ascending.”
Local councillor Kate Walsh thanked the council who offered support and the police who sent along officers to ensure everything ran smoothly.
She said: “It was very moving to see so many people attend.
“It was beautiful to watch the procession moving through the trees lighting the way with their candles.”
A church was inundated with donations for Ukraine after using their place of worship as a donation point.
Members of Peel Street Baptist Church in Accrington took the donations they received for Ukrainians to the Barnabas fund drop-off point in Preston on Saturday, March 19.
The church collected a variety of items from the community such as tinned food, cup-a-soup packets, energy bars, blankets and winter clothes.
People had the opportunity to drop goods off on Saturday between 9.30am and 11am. The church arranged with Barnabas to function as a collection hub. Barnabas arranged
for the goods to be delivered to their Swindon warehouse.
The Arden Inn in Accrington is hosting a fundraising gig with The Recycled Teenagers on Saturday afternoon, March 26.
The pub said Roy the frontman with the band is now going over to the Polish/Ukraine border next month.
The pub is also a collection point for much needed items for him to take over, and is looking for donations on Saturday, including foil survival blankets, toys, nappies, sanitary towels, crayons, towels, first aid kits, sleeping bags, metal cups, ther
mal clothing, hair brushes, shampoos, toothbrushes, children’s clothes, and bandages.
Firefighters from Lancashire Fire and Rescue
Service are also heading towards the Ukraine border to deliver a fire engine and firefighting equipment as part of a national humanitarian effort.