UKRAINIAN refugees are being welcomed with open arms by Frome residents, with 27 Ukrainian adults and 17 children now being hosted by local people who have offered their homes to those in need.
“Frome’s overwhelmingly generous response to Frome’s Twin Town Ukrainian Appeal raised an astonishing £37,370 and has already begun making a real difference to Ukrainian refugees as they arrive and settle in our twin town Rabka in Poland,” reports the town council.
“Moving forward, residents wanted to explore how the Frome community could offer assistance to refugees locally. This has led to the creation of Frome Welcomes Refugees which has been set up by local people to provide support to refugees, and those in Frome who are hosting them, by harnessing the town’s collective knowledge and skills.”
The Ukrainian visitors staying in Frome have been amazed by the support they have received, with one saying, “I am very grateful to my hosts and residents of Frome for helping Ukrainians in our difficult situation and saving us and our kids from the war in Ukraine. We feel your support every day! Thank you very much for letting us into your houses and becoming our new family. Special thanks to volunteers for their efforts in making our life in Frome easier, happier and more comfortable.”
Another family said, “We appreciate it and never forget. My daughter started to smile and almost forgot her war fears.”
Find out more about Frome Welcomes Refugees and offer your support at: www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/help-frome-welcome-refugees
Cllr Anita Collier said, “It’s wonderful to see Frome Welcomes Refugees is already engaging and supporting hosts and guests in and around Frome. Local business Twenty Fifty is helping to coordinate the network of support from hosting, to offering your skills or befriending, so if you would like to offer your support please do get in touch.”
You can still donate to support refugees both in Frome and twin town Rabka by text or via: www.justgiving.com/campaign/fromewelcomesrefugees
Alternatively, to donate on your mobile, simply text “UKRAID” followed by the amount you wish to donate (up to £20) i.e., UKRAID20 to 70085.
The campaign is led by the Frome Welcomes Refugees group, along with the Rotary Club of Frome, the Twinning Association and Frome Town Council.
