A SOUTHAMPTON charity with an office in the heart of Ukraine is providing shelter from bombs and support to refugees.
Hope Now, based at the Malvern Centre, has been working with vulnerable people in the Eastern European country since 1992.
But as the Russian invasion rages on, its services are vital to hundreds of families, particularly in the city of Cherkasy which has a population of 300,000.
This is where its headquarters are based, and refugees have been using it to shelter from bombs amongst other things.
“Our HQ is now being used as a refugee centre,” said charity CEO Jon Budgell from his Southampton office.
“People who are fleeing their homes are stopping off overnight for rest and shelter, and others who do not have basements or cellars are using the centre as an underground bomb shelter.
“Pretty much all of our staff out there are Ukrainian, and this is an unimaginably difficult time for them all.”
Before the invasion, Hope Now had worked with orphans, prisoners, the elderly and other vulnerable communities, making use of its school of Biblical studies and a holiday camp, as well as the HQ in Cherkasy.
Now, the charity is appealing for both items and monetary donations to help all refugees.
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Banks in Ukraine are struggling to function but Hope Now is using its funds already in the country to support refugees, and will eventually help rebuild homes into liveable condition.
Funds raised will replenish the charity’s pot when possible.
“Southampton residents have already been incredible,” continued Mr Budgell.
“The office is absolutely chock-a-block with donations and we are beginning to sort through these.
“Our van driver is currently stuck in Ukraine and is not allowed to leave the country because he is of fighting age, but he tells me that he is ready to come over here and collect the donations as soon as possible.
“He will take it all into the cities and the generosity of Southampton will be very much appreciated by all recipients.”
Donations can be made to Hope Now, Malvern Centre, Malvern Road, SO16 6PY.
Cheques can be posted to this address.
Contact 023 8078 0720 for the bank details.
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