All smiles for Ukraine
Published Friday 12 May 2023 at 13:56
The borough is taking part in an ambitious campaign to create the biggest ‘digital wave’ across social media platform, Instagram as an expression of solidarity with Ukraine during the Eurovision song contest.
As part of the campaign, a message from Blackburn Ukrainian evacuee Olena Lysenko alongside her Homes for Ukraine colleague Sasha Johnson, has been recorded, delivering a heartfelt thank you to the UK!
It comes as this week, Liverpool, City of Culture, hosts Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine. As we come together through music, Ukraine is keen to highlight the breadth of solidarity between our nations and our people.
This is in recognition of how the UK has stood by them from the very first moment of the full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, and our shared connections.
To mark this, today, Blackburn evacuee Olena thanked the United Kingdom and the borough for the support our towns and people have shown to Ukrainian evacuees.
Reflecting on it being one of the first countries to come to the aid of Ukraine, Olena said: “For all the worry and the uncertainty we face, we are truly, and forever grateful to the UK and to the people of Blackburn with Darwen.”
The Unity Wave digital campaign will demonstrate the links between the people and organisations of the UK and Ukraine- running until Eurovision closes on Sunday night.
This Instagram led campaign will see people from the UK and Ukraine share collaborative posts, highlight the importance of support and unity, and encourage people to open their hearts in solidarity with Ukraine. Celebrities, citizens and organisations are due to take part throughout the week.
The borough is currently host to 70 Ukrainian evacuees and Olena has been valued member of the Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council team, working as our Homes for Ukraine coordinator for the past 12 months.
She came with her two children Hordii and Katya, reluctantly leaving her parents behind who decided to stay.
Supported by the Council’s Sasha Johnson, who has also generously hosted a Ukrainian family, together they recorded a reflection to show our borough united by taking part in the digital wave. The video be shared on Instagram to mark the final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
Sasha Johnson, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council’s Homes for Ukraine coordinator, works to ensure that both the host family and guests are supported. Tomorrow (Saturday) a community event has been organised to bring evacuees together.
She said: “Working on the homes for Ukraine scheme is not only rewarding but massively heart-warming to see families from different cultures come together and become part of each other’s families. Blackburn with Darwen residents have been beyond kind with the support they have offered during this terrible time.”
Cllr Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention and Wellbeing, said the campaign is an opportunity to reflect on the solidarity and the kindness that residents in the borough have brought to families who are staying here in the borough.
He added: “I thank colleagues and residents who have shown the greatest humility and support during this turbulent time.”
Earlier this year the Council hosted a poignant one year anniversary event to mark the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Read the full story here: https://theshuttle.org.uk/leaders-and-families-gather-to-mark-war-in-ukraine-one-year-on/
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Chief Executive Denise Park said there are so many similarities shared between Ukraine and the UK.
She said: “It’s clear to see that Ukraine and the UK have so many similarities, through our shared values, the things we love, our family, friendships, community spirit, sports, music, arts and our culture.
“Taking part in this campaign is just a small way of showcasing our support.”
So today we join in celebrating all things #Eurovision- highlighting our continued support for Ukraine, its people and its culture.