A round up of everything people in Cardiff are doing to help those affected by War in Ukraine
AS Russian tanks roll across Ukrainian borders, people in Cardiff are rallying to raise funds for Ukrainians and send a clear message to the Kremlin.
Cardiff garden centre the Secret Shed to host fundraising day for Ukraine
From 1pm on Sunday, March 13, the Secret Shed in Rhiwbina will be hosting a fundraising day for the Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.
The garden centre and café on Beulah Road will provide coffee and cake for donations of £5 and will sell raffle tickets to raise money for the victims of Russia’s invasion.
“When you see the tragedy unfolding in front of you, it breaks your heart every time you turn the TV on,” said John Chichester, the owner of the Secret Shed.
Other businesses in Rhiwbina have announced fundraising drives for the Ukraine appeal. Zero-waste store Siop Sero has donated two days worth of profits to the appeal, and the Repair Café will also be donating all proceeds from its event held last Sunday.
Cardiff bar The Golden Cross raised £3,450 for Ukrainian refugees at a fund-raiser held on Sunday
The money will go to Outright Action International, a charity helping LGBT+ refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The event at the Customhouse Street venue was organised in four days and hosted by drag queen Amber Dextrous last Sunday when more than 100 people attended.
Many of the donations were made by Cardiff residents and businesses including bar Mary’s, The Queer Emporium and the Cardiff Theatre Cafe, which opened the same day.
The café donated £200 while Mary’s donated £400 which was raised at a bingo session.
Evan Perkins, bar manager at The Golden Cross, said: “You just feel like you need to do something, especially when Cardiff is so progressive compared to Russia and Chechnya. It shows Cardiff’s LGBT+ community can and will come together to support a cause.”
First Minister Mark Drakeford has called on Westminster to do more for those attempting to flee Ukraine
Mr Drakeford said the UK Government needs to cut the red tape and do more to help those fleeing violence in Ukraine.
The statement said: “Wales is ready to support refugees from Ukraine but more needs to be done to ensure safe and easy travel routes are available.
“The UK Government needs to revisit its immigration policies to cut the red tape and do more to help those fleeing the violence in Ukraine.”
Jane Hutt, The Minister for Social Justice, today called on the UK Government to issue more visas to those escaping the conflict and warned people that higher prices are likely in Wales.
