Given the frightening developments in Ukraine over the last few days and the catastrophic consequence that this is having on the people of Ukraine, the Ukrainian communities in West Yorkshire[1] are mobilising in support of their ancestral homeland. Below is a brief summary of the key elements of the mobilisation over the weekend:
Stand for Ukraine Rally – Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
Saturday, 26 February 2022 at 2-4pm
Ukrainian Communities across the north of England will be congregating in Piccadilly Gardens in Manchester in a show of support for Ukraine. There will be several speeches, singing of the national anthem and fundraising for the Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal[2]
Attendees are asked to bring relevant placards, flags, and to wear Ukrainian colours
The Ukrainian Club in Bradford has sponsored a coach to take Ukrainians to Manchester free of charge
Support for Ukraine, Bradford City Football Club, Valley Parade Stadium
Fixture v Mansfield Town, Saturday 26th February 2022
At 30 minutes (marking 30 years of Ukrainian Independence from the Soviet Union) a message will be relayed on the scoreboard in the ground asking people to Stand and Applaud in support of Ukraine. At half time members of the Ukrainian Bantams supporters’ group will be invited onto the pitch to stand behind a Stand for Ukraine banner
Pray for Ukraine – Ukrainian Catholic Church, Park View Road, Bradford, BD9 4PA
Sunday, 27 February 2022 at11am
Following mass on Sunday morning there will be a Prayer for Ukraine to be lead by Father Yaroslaw Riy. Representatives of the Organisation of Ukrainian Women will also commemorate Ukrainian Heroines.
Lighting up of council Buildings
Friday/Saturday/Sunday 25/26/27 February 2022 from 5.30pm
Both Leeds and Bradford Councils have agreed to light up council buildings in the blue and yellow of Ukraine as a show of support for Ukraine. Leeds City Council will light up the Civic Centre, while Bradford will light up the Town Hall, Margaret Miller Towers and the Foster Square arches.
Throughout the events there will be the opportunity for filming and photography as well as interviews with attendees and the representatives of the Ukrainian communities.
Key contacts:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected], 07787449675
Social Media accounts:
Facebook: @BradfordUkrainianClub, Leeds Ukrainian Community Centre, @huddersfieldukrainianclub, @augb.sub, @CYMGreatBritain, @associationofukrainianwomeninGB
Twitter: @ukieclublymanbd, @augbhudds, @augbsub,
[1] The Association of Ukrainians in GB has branches in Bradford, Huddersfield, Leeds, Keighley and Halifax https://www.augb.co.uk/branches.php
[2] Ukrainian Associations in the UK have established an emergency fund to support the people of Ukraine https://www.gofundme.com/f/helpukraine