In March, when Craig and I realised our tenants would be leaving, we decided we would offer our house to support refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine.

We knew we were lucky to be able to do this and also that many, like us would want to join us in supporting a family and so we set about furnishing a house with love! From Sofas to slippers, donations flooded in and we have a beautiful home ready for the Lovha family who left the Ukraine on the 3rd May with what few possessions they could squeeze in the car!

“It takes a village” they say, and we did it with the help of our community, this was the result!! Watch the VIDEO! St Johns

More offers of help keep coming and we know you want to help us help Zina, Vlad and their 3 gorgeous children and this is how!

We would like to raise funds to support the living costs of a home. The family will receive benefits and we will support them with whatever they need while they are in our care. The house will of course need maintaining and heating and we will not be asking for contributions from the family. In 2020 the average UK household budget was £2,548 a month (£30,571 a year) based on an average of 2.4 people per household, according to the latest ONS Family Spending report. Compared to 2019, expenditures on household bills increased just 0.4% in 2020. This doesn’t account for the increase in fuel costs and the fact the Ukranians love their heating on full 24/7!!

Would you like to help us? Your money will go towards, in order of urgency and depending on the amount raised:

1. Living costs and utilities, fuel

2. Treats for the family such as meals out, cinema, trips and fun days out

3. Maintenance of the home

4. Rental subsidy after 6 months if required.

5. Supporting the future of the family and other Ukranian families.

We will be responsible for the funds as we are for the family, we are happy to share details of spending with you at any time.

£5.00 will buy a cinema ticket for one of the children

£40.00 means they can buy half a tank of fuel

£84.00 is a month of insurance

£150.00 pays for a month of utlilities

£205.00 is the average spend a month for recreation and culture including TV

£500.00 pays for a month’s food shopping

£1200.00 covers a month’s rental

£6000.00 sponsors the family for their first 6 months excluding rental

Of course, if we do not get a penny, we will manage, the Lovha family are relying on us and we will not let them down. This is simply an opportunity for you to get involved in our project and help us help them- we are grateful for any support you would like to offer.

If you prefer to make a monthly payment, please email us at manderfamily.uk@gmail.com and we will arrange this into a separate account for the household.