Council stands with people of Ukraine

Cllr Emily Smith, leader of Vale of White Horse District Council, has issued a statement on the war in Ukraine:

“Like many Vale residents I am deeply concerned about the conflict and humanitarian emergency in Ukraine. I recognise that many of our community members, their family and friends are directly affected. 

“I have joined local and regional leaders across Europe in endorsing a statement from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, condemning the attacks and violations in Ukraine and expressing solidarity with the Ukrainian people and colleagues in local government. 

“I am grateful for the compassion and generosity of people across our district towards those caught up in this devastating conflict. The council will of course help in any way we can, including resettling refugees if required.”

The full statement from the Council of European Municipalities and Regions can be read here https://www.ccre.org/en/actualites/view/4268

If you’d like to help, the government is advising people to ensure they “give safely” to registered charities.

Established charities with experience of responding to disasters are usually best placed to reach victims on the ground.

The best current route to donate and support is via the Disasters Emergencies Committee. The UK Government has said it will match fund up to £20m. DEC works with 15 charities including Oxfam, Christian Aid and Save the Children.

There are a number of other international charities you can support:

• The British Red Cross has launched a Ukraine Crisis Appeal to support the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross to fund food, water, first aid, medicines, warm clothes and shelter.
• The UNHCR refugee agency is collecting monetary donations for humanitarian assistance, emergency shelter and relief items like blankets. It will also fund psychological support for refugees.
• The UN’s children’s charity, UNICEF, is accepting donations to help ensure child health and protection services are sustained and families have clean water and food.

If you’re looking to donate to causes working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, you should make a few simple checks before giving:

• Check the charity’s name and registration number at www.gov.uk/checkcharity
• Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information
• Be careful when responding to emails or clicking on links within them
• Contact or find out more online about the charity that you’re seeking to donate to or work with to understand how they are spending their funds
• Look out for the Fundraising Badge on charity fundraising materials, this is the logo which shows that a charity has committed to fundraise in line with the Code of Fundraising Practice