Rye is inviting people to come and celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day on August 24.
A special fundraiser is being organised to provide Ryers with a chance to show their support for the Ukrainian families who have found refuge in our community.
And what better day to get behind this proud but beleaguered nation and its people than the 32nd anniversary of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine?
From 4:30pm to 7:00pm Rye Community Centre, Conduit Hill will become an unofficial embassy for Ukraine, with delicious traditional home-cooked Ukrainian food, and drinks available. There will be a raffle with some great prizes donated by Rye citizens and businesses.
It is six months since Ukraine was invaded and there are believed to be 10 million refugees – mainly women and children – in Europe. People who have been forced to leave their homes and, in most cases, their menfolk in order to escape indiscriminate bombing, artillery shelling and rocket attacks.
Rye and the immediate area has a traditional link with Ukraine, with the Children of Chernobyl Charity providing holidays for children, and since the invasion, has welcomed around 20 Ukrainian families into its midst.
Come along, enjoy and share Ukrainian culture on August 24 and celebrate their Independence Day with some very proud, warm and friendly people who are part of the Rye community!
We also ask that local shops and businesses show our Ukrainian friends their support by displaying Ukrainian flags or blue and yellow items in their windows.
Image Credits: Jess Angell .