A BAILDON pub is holding an event to raise funds for a centre in Poland which is helping Ukrainian refugees after its landlady paid a visit there.
The Old Glen House pub, Prod Lane, is holding a fundraiser on Saturday, June 4, from noon to 6pm.
It is part of the pub’s bid to raise £8,500 for the Big Heart Foundation, based in Krosno in Poland.
The centre offers free counselling and play therapy to child Ukrainian refugees.
Louise Johnson, Old Glen House landlady, has just returned from a trip to Poland with two friends, Jane Slimming and Neil Crawford, who delivered aid to women and children Ukrainian refugees who have fled there after the war started in February this year.
Items including nappies, toiletries, baby milk and boots for Ukrainian soldiers were donated by kind-hearted regulars of the pub.
Louise has also made T-shirts with ‘I Stand With Ukraine’ written on the front in a design which also features the Ukraine flag in a heart shape.
She said: “People need to know what’s going on at the foundation. The work people are doing there is absolutely amazing. People at the centre are doing such good work.
“I have visited the centre twice now to drop off items donated to the pub.
“It’s heart-breaking to see the women and children there. I don’t know how many times I cried while I was there.
“When I came home, I must have slept and cried for two days solid.”
The Big Heart Foundation was set up in April this year and the money raised by the Old Glen House’s appeal will go towards renovating a kitchen, installing air conditioning, turning one of the centre’s toilets into disabled access and helps fund the hours of counselling and support.
The pub’s fundraiser will include a dog show which features categories including the dog the judge would most like to take home with them, prettiest bitch and dapper dog and junior handler.
Spiderman will also be dropping by to make an appearance.
There will also be a silent auction, with lots including a three-night stay for five people at a cottage in Seahouses in Northumberland. People have been urged to place their bid for this item in an envelope and hand it in to the bar at the pub. The winner will be announced at the fundraiser on June 4.
Go to justgiving.com/crowdfunding/big-heart-foundation to make a donation.
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