Buckinghamshire Council supports Ukraine Independence Day today
Buckinghamshire Council is marking Ukraine Independence Day today, (24 August), having welcomed over 1,200 Ukrainian refugees to the county since March as part of the Homes for Ukraine scheme.
Councillor Gareth Williams, Deputy Leader of Buckinghamshire Council said: “On 24 August the people of Ukraine mark their Independence Day, which will be exactly six months since Russia’s invasion, and 31 years since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.”
“Both the Council and its local communities have been deeply moved by the current plight of people in Ukraine. In March 2022, when the British Government launched two national schemes for Ukrainian refugees to come to the UK and outlined the responsibilities for local government, Buckinghamshire Council quickly acted to put in place plans that, with the support of partners, would welcome families to Buckinghamshire and help them to make new lives in the county over the coming months, and years.
Six months after the launch of those Government schemes nearly 700 Buckinghamshire sponsors have opened their homes to Ukrainian guests. Buckinghamshire Council’s swift response means the Council has welcomed, and will continue to welcome, individuals and families to the county in large numbers. Our thoughts are with all those who have lost loved ones because of the current conflict.”
In Buckinghamshire, residents can show support for Ukrainians on Ukraine Independence Day in several ways including:
- Flying the Ukrainian flag and sharing imagery of that on social media using #StandforFreedom #StandWithUkraine and ‘Ukraine Independence Day’.
- Support the #SunflowersForUkraine social media campaign. Post a photo or video with a sunflower using #SunflowersForUkraine #StandforFreedom and wishing Ukraine well for their Independence Day.
- Join community events planned around the county.