Supporting the people of Ukraine

It’s easy to think these events are happening far away, but our friends at LoveCrafts have shared the worrying news that nearly 90 members of their team are based in Ukraine. CEO, Edward Griffith, has said: “The strength and fortitude each person has shown has been breathtaking. These are terrible times and our Ukrainian colleagues are scared. Yet the overriding feeling is that of hope that freedom for their beautiful country will prevail.”

While LoveCrafts is providing as much emotional, financial and personal support as possible, the team has also set up a JustGiving fundraiser, to enable customers and supporters to make donations.

As crafters, our first instinct may be to send supplies such as blankets or warm clothing, but aid organisations say that it’s best to give money through a reputable charity. However, crocheters and makers can help by donating proceeds – or a percentage of proceeds – from sales of patterns or handmade items, and by holding or supporting sales and events online or in their local community to raise money for the people of Ukraine.

Ways to help

✸ You can donate to the LoveCrafts JustGiving appeal here: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/supportukrainiancolleagues

✸ LoveCrafts has set up a collection of patterns donated by designers with all profits going to Choose Love, which is working to provide aid to people in and fleeing from Ukraine. You can offer support here: www.lovecrafts.com/en-gb/user/maker/b1abdb5f-322e-4f49-bb5e-cc0ccc0b3132

✸ If you’d like to provide much-needed financial support to charities working in Ukraine, consider making a donation to: donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal; www.unicef.org.uk/donate/donate-now-to-protect-children-in-ukraine; help.rescue-uk.org/ukraine-dec