Cake, coffee and raffle tickets will be sold to raise funds for Ukraine appeal
AS Russian tanks roll across Ukrainian borders, some businesses in North Cardiff are rallying to raise funds for those caught up in the deepening humanitarian crisis.
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 brutal 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.
“We have a lovely facility in the Secret Shed in Rhiwbina, and I just thought why don’t we use that to raise some funds for the guys out there in Ukraine.
“We can do our little bit to try and help somebody somewhere, even if it is only a small amount. You just feel so helpless otherwise.”
Mr Chichester, who bought the Secret Shed six years ago and renovated it into a much-loved coffee shop and boutique garden centre, has also had to make changes to his business as a result of his support for the Ukraine.
He recently announced that the Secret Shed would no longer stock Coca-Cola, after the soft drink brand became one of the few western companies to not withdraw from Russian markets.
The Secret Shed’s fundraising efforts have already seen wide support from the community, with Rhiwbina’s Little People Store and the Pantmawr Residents’ Association offering raffle prizes and donations. The Tenovus choir will also be providing live music throughout the afternoon.
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.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to see that people are supporting us in what we are doing, because they just want to help,” said Mr Chichester.
“We had one lady who contacted us and said she’d be happy to come and help out, but that she can’t work at the front of the shop because she would be in the middle of her chemo treatment at the time.
“I think that sums up the people of this community – nothing is too much trouble for them.”
The generosity of businesses like the Secret Shed have been praised by Rhiwbina Councillor Jayne Cowan, who said that the community had gone “above and beyond” in its fundraising efforts.
“My colleagues and I would like to thank all businesses and invidiuals involved,” she said. “I know that Siop Sero have also donated takings from two days this week, and other groups such as The Repair Face are also supporting the cause.
“Rhiwbina is bursting at the seams with great people!”
The Secret Shed’s fundraising efforts also received a mention in the House of Commons last week from Anna McMorrin, MP for Cardiff North.
“I hope we can all show kindness to those around us during these trying times, as have my constituents in Cardiff North,” she said in her St David’s Day speech.
“The outpouring of local efforts to collect emergency supplies and give donations has been exemplary and I would like to pay tribute to two brilliant local businesses – the Flower Lodge and the Secret Shed in Rhiwbina, who are fundraising and have made some brilliant efforts.”
