Berkshire charity hosts Eurovision party for local Ukrainian visitors
Around 250 Ukrainians will be watching the song competition at Reading FC
The Cowshed, a Berkshire charity which has provided assistance to Ukrainian refugees since the start of the war, has been a hub of activity as an army of volunteers pull together the final details for their Eurovision Party for Ukraine.
Putting the finishing touches to almost a kilometre of hand sewn bespoke Eurovision bunting, lovingly packing chocolate gifts and play sets for their younger guests, and arranging impactful and cheerful flower arrangements, The Cowshed volunteers are committed to making this a truly special moment for their guests, and for Ukraine, the winners of Eurovision 2022.
Helping with the final watch-along party planning, was Ukrainian refugee, and now key member of The Cowshed referral team, Yuliia. A mother of two, Yuliia and her young children left their home town of Lviv in Western Ukraine in the first days of the war, travelling to Poland, then Spain and finally arriving in the UK with very little, but thankfully safe. She said,
“When my children and I arrived in the UK we barely had anything, but we were referred to The Cowshed and instantly they were able to help us with clothes, bedding and even toys for my children.
“The dedication, care and attention the team gave us then, is exactly the same as the attention they are giving to this Eurovision party, it will be a truly beautiful event and we will all feel blessed to be there. The celebration will be bittersweet as we think of our countrymen still fighting and for those still living in Ukraine, but we Ukrainians are strong, and committed, and like anyone else, enjoy a party so we will cheer and singalong and look forward to the day in the future when Ukraine will once again host Eurovision.”
The Eurovision Party will be an opportunity for more than 250 Ukrainians who have needed The Cowshed’s help in the last 12 months to watch the Grand Final on big screens at the Reading FC Conference Centre.
Sally Russell, founder of Cowshed and self-confessed Eurovision superfan said,
“We really hope that for one night our Ukrainian guests can enjoy a moment of celebration when for the past year there has been so little to be joyful about. We have heard some dreadful stories from the people that have needed our services and support since leaving their homes in Ukraine, anything we can do to show the UK stands alongside them, from a party like this to providing school uniform for their children, we will always endeavour to do.”