Inverurie fun day raises over £8000 for the Ukraine crisis
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A CHILDREN’S fun day held in Inverurie to raise money for the Ukraine crisis has made more than £8000 for charity.
The event was organised by two Inverurie mums, Shona Singer and Kirstie Waterston as a response to the ongoing humanitarian appeal to help victims of the war in Ukraine.
In total, £8300 was raised with £8000 donated to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and £300 to a local fund to support a Ukrainian woman arriving in Inverurie.
Both Shona and Kirstie had previously been involved in a successful appeal to gather items to send to the Poland-Ukraine border after seeing the devastating reports of atrocities in the Eastern European country.
The collection had such a phenomenal response from local residents, that the duo decided to organise a further event to raise funds.
Shona said: “I think everyone who has seen the images and heard the stories coming out of Ukraine has been hugely affected, and I felt there was such a desire locally to help.
“I am absolutely delighted at how successful the event was; both financially and the amount of fun that was had!
"I hope the brilliant community of Inverurie offers the same level of support as we begin to welcome refugees to our town.”
The fun day, which took place at the Wyness Hall saw hundreds of local children enjoy an array of activities.
Over the course of four sold-out sessions run by a team of parents and volunteers, youngsters enjoyed playing on a bouncy castle, face painting, craft, messy play and soft play.
The Garioch Community Kitchen also allowed the use of their facilities for free to provide an area for parents to enjoy teas, coffees and donated homebakes and entertainment from Inverurie Choral Society.
A huge amount of the funds were raised in the raffle with prizes donated by individuals and businesses in Inverurie.
Kirstie said: “We are truly humbled and overwhelmed at the response of the community in helping us raise funds for such a worthy cause.
“We were aiming to raise £2000 and could never have imagined we’d hit the £8000 mark.
“Our fund was sitting at just over £7000 when Anderson’s of Inverurie generously donated a further £1000.
“Local people and businesses truly embraced the cause, and we really felt the fun day brought the community together in a stand against war.
“Through the DEC, the money raised will be distributed among the charities working on the ground in Ukraine helping the innocent victims of this horrifying war.”
In response to the event, a DEC spokesman said: “Thank you so much for supporting the DEC appeal.
"Donations are helping to meet the immediate and longer term needs of families in Ukraine and neighbouring countries as they face an uncertain future.”
The event could not have taken place without support and donations from: DHB Joinery Services, Laings, JG Ross, Anderson’s and Strachan’s.
As well as raffle sponsors and volunteers including: Claire, Cara Hay, Valerie Shinnie, Suzy Mackie, Debs Lamb, Debbie Cobban, Elaine Keith, Anni Sutherland, Elaine Duthie, Lesley Duguid, Hair by Sarah G, Linsey Jacques, Leeanne Robertson, Emma Arundel, Stephen McGinley, Klarty Kids, Inverurie Choral Society, Garioch Community Kitchen, The Wright Face, Marcia Nicol, artwork by Chris Ross, and catering supplies from David Rose from Balmedie Co-op.
