By Andy Hirst

Kirklees Council and Ukrainians already living in Huddersfield are devising the best way to help refugees from the war-torn country heading our way.

The council has been staggered by the response of local people offering to have refugees in their home and is now working closely with the Ukrainian Club in Huddersfield on how best to do this.

Leah Dorotiak from the club said: “We are receiving a lot of messages asking how we can best support Ukrainian refugees and their hosts from the Homes For Ukraine scheme.

“We are currently working closely with Kirklees Council and will be posting an update very shortly.”

Kirklees Council’s Cabinet member for communities Carole Pattison has praised the kind-hearted Huddersfield people who have come forward offering people a place to stay.

She said: “The positive response we’ve seen from Kirklees residents is nothing short of amazing as it always is when it comes to supporting others in time of need. Our message to refugees fleeing Ukraine is that you are welcome here.

“Kirklees is a place of welcome and we have a very proud history when it comes to supporting individuals and families who are seeking safety and this will be no different.

“We want to help those who have had their lives uprooted and we will work with our West Yorkshire neighbours and the government to support the programmes that will inevitably be needed as the crisis unfolds.”

Meanwhile, Huddersfield Ukrainian Club on Edgerton Road, Edgerton, is open twice a week to help people wanting more information – especially people with a Ukrainian background.

Leah said: “If you need a friendly face or fancy a cup of tea please pop down to the Ukrainian Club and we can answer any cultural and language questions you may have. We look forward to welcoming you all into our community.” 

The club is open with Ukrainian speakers present on Fridays from 7pm to 11pm and Saturdays from 2pm to 5pm.

Over the last week there has been another collection of emergency medical supplies at Huddersfield Ukrainian Club.

And a kind-hearted Huddersfield company has donated a signed Huddersfield Giants shirt to raise money for the Ukrainian appeal.

Huddersfield Electrical Contractors received the shirt for sponsoring Huddersfield Giants’  thumping 34-2 win against Salford Red Devils on March 6.

Oliver Briggs from the company met up with Ukrainian Club chairman John Kybaluk to hand over the shirt which will now be sold via email auction.

It’s far more than just the shirt though as the full package also includes two tickets in the directors’ box and access to the players’ bar after the match against Catalans Dragons next Friday (April 1).

To place your bid simply email the amount you’re offering to AUGBHuddersfield@hotmail.com 

In the email subject line type in Silent Auction, along with your name/company, address, contact number and date of birth.

The winning bidder will be notified on Thursday (March 31).

* Tell us what you’re doing for Ukraine by emailing steven@huddersfieldhub.co.uk and don’t forget to include photos add in your phone number so we can get back to you if necessary.

* Written by ANDY HIRST who runs his own Yorkshire freelance journalism agency AH! PR (https://ah-pr.com/) specialising in press releases, blogging and copywriting. Copyright Andy Hirst.