A UKRAINIAN cafe in Bromsgrove is bringing Christmas joy to youngsters in the war-torn country by funding thousands of festive goodie boxes.
The cafe at Bromsgrove Methodist Church Centre on the last Friday of every month, has raised more than £1,700 in its first year, with all proceeds sent to a charity in Ukraine to organise and distribute gifts.
As part of the ‘Gift from Heaven’ project, parents and children from Christian families fill boxes with meaningful gifts they wish to share with another child.
They are then distributed to youngsters in need across the country.
In total, 8,294 empty boxes were bought with the cash the cafe sent to Ukraine.
Boxes can include school supplies, toys and hygiene products, a bible and a letter from another child.
The project is led by cafe co-founder Svitlana Hlovatska’s husband, Myroslav, a frontline medic in Ukraine and president of the charity that received the funds.
Svitlana said the children were absolutely delighted by the programme and the gifts they received.
She added: “We are deeply grateful to the people of England for their love, understanding and generosity – especially the visitors of the Ukrainian cafe who enjoy the meals prepared by our community.
“It brings us joy to gather together, to share stories and to build friendships between Ukrainians and English people.
“We learn the language, we communicate, and we grow together.
“And from the bottom of our hearts – thank you.”
Myroslav said: “Thanks to your support, many children affected by the hardships of war will experience joy, care and God’s love during the Christmas season.
“We are deeply moved by your involvement, prayers and good deeds.”
He praised everyone involved in the Ukrainian cafe that Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugees helped to open.
The cafe is next open between 10am and 1.30pm next Friday, November 28.
