Council thanks sponsors, charities and volunteers ahead of Ukrainian Independence Day

Greenbridge Roundabout and Central Library will be lit up blue and yellow, the national colours of Ukraine, in a show of solidarity with Ukrainians in Swindon and across the world.

Community efforts from organisations, charities, volunteers and sponsors in the town have been a helping hand for those Ukrainians fleeing war. These charities have supported Swindon Borough Council’s Warm Welcome Team, which is currently assisting 117 adults and 61 children who have arrived in Swindon from Ukraine. The town has a total of 74 sponsors currently hosting those who have fled Ukraine, with 60 more sponsors matched and awaiting their arrivals.

One Ukrainian refugee who fled Kyiv in March, Sofiia Volovyk, is embarking on a huge 589-mile walk from Swindon to the highest peak in the UK, Ben Nevis in Scotland, to raise £100,000 for Ukrainians across the UK and back in Ukraine.

Sofiia is leaving for the walk on Ukraine’s National Independence Day, with fellow Ukrainian Borys Livshyts, who she met during a hiking event in 2020 in their home country.

After fleeing Kyiv in March, two weeks after the war began, Sofiia travelled through five countries and over 3,000 miles through Poland, Germany, Belgium, and Ireland, before finally arriving in the UK.

Leader of Swindon Borough Council, Councillor David Renard, said: “The support we have seen from across the Borough for those fleeing Ukraine has been phenomenal. This shows just how well the people of Swindon treat visitors and those in need. Lighting up Greenbridge Roundabout and Central Library in the Ukraine’s yellow and blue colours is a small way we can publicly show our support for their plight.

“We are right behind Sofiia as she embarks on her big challenge tomorrow. She will have the full support and backing of not only Swindon but all who hear her story. Good luck to her and Borys!”

Sofiia said: “I have been so welcomed by the people of the UK, and so I am dedicating this walk to help those we left behind, and also those that have landed and settled here. It is my dream to build a positive Ukrainian community here in the UK, and help rebuild the one back home too.

“Ukraine, as a nation, had to fight for its independence many years ago and now our fight for freedom from oppression has never been greater. Ukrainians have become modern day pilgrims and so my challenge represents our collective journey to safety.”

To donate to Sofiia’s charity hike, go to www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/sofiia-volovyk.

Sofiia also chairs the Swindon Welcomes Ukraine Committee who have so far issued 86 bikes to people arriving from Ukraine. Organisations like Swindon Cycling Club, Run & Repair, Swindon Recycles and Swindon Cycles have all been helping Ukrainians get back their independence with refurbished and road-ready bikes and equipment.

Also helping Ukrainians in the town is the Pattern Church, which holds a weekly bring and share dinner to families arriving in Swindon so they can meet other Ukrainians and make new friends. ‘The Table’ sessions are held from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday nights at Pattern Church, Penzance Drive, Swindon SN5 7JL.

To find out more about how you can support Ukrainian people here in Swindon, search ‘Ukraine’ on www.swindon.gov.uk.