Leamington and Kenilworth Christmas appeals to help children in Ukraine
Community organisations across Leamington and Kenilworth are coming together to bring festive happiness to children affected by the war in Ukraine through a Christmas card fundraising campaign and a special collection of chocolates and sweets.
Community organisations across Warwickshire are joining forces this Christmas to bring festive happiness to children affected by the war in Ukraine, through a Christmas card fundraising campaign and a special collection of chocolates and sweets.
Belveder CIC, based in Leamington Spa, has launched a collection of beautifully illustrated Christmas cards designed by children in Ukraine, available for a minimum donation of £7 for a pack of ten cards.
All proceeds from the Christmas card appeal will go towards providing Christmas presents for children in Ukraine, working alongside Belveder's humanitarian partners, including the Sisters of St Joseph.
The appeal is being supported by several organisations and venues, making it easy for residents to purchase their Christmas cards while contributing to a meaningful cause.
The Christmas cards are available from the art and gift retail area at The Royal Pump Rooms’, on the Parade in Leamington, the Leamington History Group, at The Band Factory in Althorpe Street, Leamington, the Stoneleigh Arms arts space at 31 Clemens Street in Leamington and the Kenilworth Lions Furniture Store in Farmer Ward Road in Kenilworth.
Alongside the Christmas card campaign, Leamington History Group and the Kenilworth Lions are organising a special collection of chocolates and sweets for children in Ukraine.
Residents, businesses and community groups are being encouraged to donate new, unopened chocolates and sweets, which will be included in a humanitarian aid delivery.
The donations are scheduled to leave Warwickshire on December 6 and being taken in an ambulance organised by Belveder CIC for onward delivery to Ukraine.
To allow time for sorting and packing, all donations should be received by December 1.
Chocolates and sweets can be dropped off at the Band Factory and the Kenilworth Lions Furniture Store.
Dawid Kozlowski, from Belveder CIC, said: "Christmas should be a time of happiness, especially for children. Sadly, many children in Ukraine continue to live with the consequences of war.
“We wanted to create something simple that people here in Warwickshire could support.
“Most of us send Christmas cards anyway, so why not make those greetings help bring a little happiness to a child who really needs it?
“The chocolate collection is another wonderful example of people coming together.
“Something as small as a chocolate bar can bring a smile to a child who has experienced so much hardship.
“We are incredibly grateful to Kenilworth Lions, Leamington History Group, our local partners and everyone supporting these appeals.
“Their generosity shows that even after nearly five years of war, the people of Warwickshire have not forgotten the children of Ukraine.”
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Belveder's volunteers have helped deliver more than 73 ambulances to Ukraine, together with medical equipment and humanitarian supplies.
The organisation also supports vulnerable households and organises community activities across Warwickshire, bringing together people of different backgrounds through volunteering, cultural initiatives and practical assistance.
Its Christmas campaigns continue a tradition of supporting children affected by the conflict, demonstrating how local volunteers, businesses and community organisations can work together to make a difference thousands of miles away.
Belveder hopes residents will support the Christmas appeal by purchasing a pack of cards, donating chocolates or simply sharing information about the campaign with friends and family.