From Mums in UK to Mums in Ukraine – National Appeal for Ukrainian Families
UK mother and baby support network, ‘MamaBabyBliss’ has launched a national fundraising campaign in aid of the DEC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal and The British Red Cross Society.
Founder Justina Perry has encouraged ‘MamaBabyBliss’ franchisees across UK as well as mums and mums-to-be, who attend their classes, to stand in solidarity with Ukrainian parents. Since 3rd March mums and babies were encouraged to attend both in-person and virtual classes dressed in blue and yellow to fundraise. An initial £250 target was exceeded within a week. The current total stands at £2,000 and keeps rising.
Justina Perry explains: “This war has affected so many innocent people. Ukrainian men are staying to fight for their country. Women and babies are having to flee or live in the most awful circumstances. We have seen images of babies being born in the basements, mothers fleeing with their young children, and maternity hospital being blown up. Safe in our homes here, we can only imagine what horror these families experience. We chose to support the Red Cross because they are able to reach the main areas of disaster and devastation quickly and effectively. This is our way to show solidarity with these families and help in any way we could.”
Explaining why fundraising efforts are so critical, she says:
One of ‘MamaBabyBliss’ member, who supports the campaign, is Marina Breeson, a Ukrainian, who moved to UK from Kyiv in 2014 after falling in love and marrying Richard. They now have two children, Nick and Kristina.
Marina says: “There hasn’t been a day when I haven’t been in tears. I’m going mad here. I can’t work, I can’t function. I feel I can’t even focus on my own children properly. I feel so guilty that we are here and my friends and their kids are in a war zone having lost everything.
“I left a lot of friends and extended family in Ukraine and I’m worried sick about them. I am absolutely devastated and heartbroken to see the news especially about affected children and broken families. Most of my friends have children who had to say good-bye to their daddies not knowing if or when they going to see them again.”
Marina continues with this message to all the mothers of Ukraine: “Stay strong for your little ones. We have freedom in our DNA and our children can now see it – they’ll be leading our country to the strong and light future! And, please, live! Stay safe!”
Encouraged by the support the organisers of this fundraising had so far, ‘MamaBabyBliss’ now seeks to extend the efforts beyond its own network to any parent and child nationwide.
To celebrate Mother’s Day this year ‘MamaBabyBliss’ will be live streaming a 45-minute online “Shine a Light for Mamas and Babies of Ukraine” class. After the usual sessions of gentle yoga moves and songs for children and relaxation and breathing exercises for mums, dads and grandparents, candles will be lit in dedication to those lives that have been lost in the war.
To take part in the “Shine a Light for Mamas and Babies of Ukraine”, visit ‘MamaBabyBliss’ on Facebook or Instagram on 31st March at 11am.
Organisers suggest a minimum donation of £5 but any value would be gratefully received.
Donations can be made on the dedicated Just Giving Page.
