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. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From 1pm on Sunday, March 13, the Secret Shed in Rhiwbina will be hosting a fundraising day for the Red Cross\u2019 Ukraine Crisis Appeal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The garden centre and caf\u00e9 on Beulah Road will provide coffee and cake for donations of \u00a35, and will sell raffle tickets to raise money for the victims of Russia\u2019s brutal invasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen you see the tragedy unfolding in front of you, it breaks your heart every time you turn the TV on,\u201d said John Chichester, the owner of the Secret Shed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe have a lovely facility in the Secret Shed in Rhiwbina, and I just thought why don\u2019t we use that to raise some funds for the guys out there in Ukraine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Secret Shed\u2019s fundraising efforts have already seen wide support from the community, with Rhiwbina\u2019s 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. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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 Caf\u00e9 will also be donating all proceeds from its event held last Sunday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a fantastic feeling to see that people are supporting us in what we are doing, because they just want to help,\u201d said Mr Chichester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe had one lady who contacted us and said she\u2019d be happy to come and help out, but that she can\u2019t work at the front of the shop because she would be in the middle of her chemo treatment at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI think that sums up the people of this community – nothing is too much trouble for them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n