Community rallies to church's call to help children of Ukraine

Parishioners at a church in Sunderland have raised over £1,000 to help children in war-torn Ukraine.

The community in Ryhope turned out in force to support efforts by members of St Paul’s Church to raise cash for the cause and help thousands of youngsters displaced by the Russian invasion.

The event was organised by the Rev David Chadwick and saw over 60 people attend the church to show their support.

Rev David said: “Like many of my parishioners and neighbours in Ryhope, I have been following the conflict in Ukraine very closely and also recognised that many local people had a feeling of helplessness at the growing humanitarian crisis.”

In his sermons, Rev David has been outspoken about President Putin’s aggression and is particularly angered and saddened by the plight of Ukrainian children who have been seriously injured, forced from their homes and separated from their families and friends.

He added: “Speaking with local residents, I knew I was not alone in feeling this way.”

Rev David, who is also chair of Governors at St Paul’s CE Primary School in the village, originally asked the children

to help show support for the people caught up in the battles.

S.A.L.T. – an art space on Ryhope Street South – volunteered to create a childfriendly project called Hearts for Ukraine, using

heart-shaped signs which the youngsters could colour, cut and laminate.

These were placed around the churchyard and gates in a show of solidarity.

Looking to do more, he decided to open the doors of the

church for a fundraiser for children in Ukraine.

Within a short space of time, people had responded with a generous selection of donations for a raffle, a namethe-bear competition and a silent auction.

They also made cakes and food to sell and keep visitors happy.

University of Sunderland graduate, Karen Kaveney, heard about the event and donated an original artwork called “Tree for Ukraine,

2022” which raised £100 for the cause.

Over 60 people of all ages from the local area came along to show support.

Rev David said: “We have raised at least £1,000. It’s been a good day.”

Jim Cassidy and family were the highest bidders for a Spiderman drawing donated by Gary Nicholson.

A Batman drawing by Gary Nicholson, of SALT, was one of the lots in the silent auction.

Rev David Chadwick with some of the Hearts for Ukraine on the church gates.

Artist Karen Kaveney’s Tree for Ukraine 2022 which raised £100.

Young visitor Amber was very pleased with her prizes.

Some of the visitors to the church on the day.