Through a link between a church in Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland and four small churches near Volochysk , Ukraine, many people from the Northern Ireland have visited Ukraine multiple times since the fall of communism. When we visited last in early 2020 - just before Covid hit- we could never have imagined that we would not be back again soon nor that would now be witnessing such atrocities.

In the past many friends from here have pulled together to fund things such as orphanage camps, kids programs in rural villages, aid for struggling families, building projects and sending lorries of humanitarian aid to name just a few. Now is our chance to pull together again when help is so desperately needed

Since the war broke out a group of volunteers have been able to place over 400 refugees into safe homes in the UK. We have helped to match them with hosts, helped with visas and travel, supported hosts through the complicated processes that continue once they have arrived and helped to link the Ukrainians into community here via various projects.

We have used money donated for many causes - some has gone directly to Ukraine to help people displaced and some has been used for things like flights for refugees, clothes, books for learning English, organising Ukrainian meals, a little on advertising to try to secure new hosts and generators for Ukraine, to name a few.

No one involved with Starfish takes any money for costs or wages. Everyone gives their time voluntarily. (You can see who we are by visiting our website. https://starfishukraine.com ) However we sometimes need a little money for the above, hence the reason for the page !

If you don't know us personally and are concerned about giving to us we fully understand. Many good and genuine organisations are raising funding to use in various ways. We would urge people to be to wise and make sure you are happy that the organisation you choose to donate to is genuine. If you have any questions about this please feel free to contact Rachel Graham on 07737 383 464..

When this war is over there will be many years of recovery and support for Ukrainians affected - and any money not used immediately is guaranteed to go towards those in need as a result of this conflict.

Thank you