Blue Balloon is a South Wales children's welfare charity that was set up 22 years ago by Steven Knapik, (whilst he was head of Creative Arts faculty at Pen y Dre High School until he retired), to provide support for children in Legnica, Poland, from where Steven's family originated.
Over that time, a close and trusted relationship has been built between Legnica and Tredegar, with many local people, schools and community groups raising in the region of £95,000 that has gone directly to supporting the Legnica orphanage, special school and high school.
Due to the horrific terrors of war, Legnica is sadly now experiencing a new challenge as hundred of Ukrainian refugees flood into the town seeking sanctuary, including women and children who have lost everything, and are in desperate need of food, clothes and medication in the immediate term, and whose needs will continue and evolve in time.
Steve Knapik MBE, says
"Our charity has a 22 year long standing and trusting association with our friends in Legnica, supporting an orphanage, special school and High School. On Friday 4th March I had a zoom call with the President of Legnica, Mr Tadeusz Krzakowski who welcomed our Fund Raising aims and offer of support. He was quite specific how, what and where any money donated will go directly to where and when the need arises.
Already in Legnica there are many Ukrainian women and children seeking refuge and are welcomed with open arms. But there are practical, physical and psychological needs to be addressed, now and long into the future.
That is why Blue Balloon Childrens Charity are pleased to help, but we need your generous giving to make a difference, as our old motto stated, small change=BIG CHANGE."
We may not eradicate bad memories, but we can help develop new ones.
Please give generously in this hour of need and be assured that all funds are going directly to the needs of Ukrainian families and children arriving daily in the town of Legnica.
NB. Steve is also grateful for the continued support of Cymru Creations CEO Kevin Phillips. Cymru Creations for many years has had a long relationship with our friends in Legnica, through film and community support projects, and pledges their continued support for this appeal.
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