Carol concert raises funds to pay for baby incubator in Ukraine

A Community Carol Service organised jointly by Ashton Ukrainian Centre (AUGB) and Tameside Rotary took place on Saturday in aid of the MoM Baby Incubator 4Ukraine Appeal.     

This event opened with music provided by the St John’s Brass Band and, after an opening welcome speech by Petro Rewko MBE Chair of the Ukrainian Associations of Great Britain, was followed by a dance display by two competition winners from the Ukrainian community.  

Tameside Community Voices, led by Joyce Hansell, provided more enterinment.

St John’s Brass Band played festive music throughout a short intermission which was then followed by a raffle kickstarted by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Betty Affleck.  

The Ukrainian dancers took to the stage once more followed by two groups from the Ukraine community who sang songs that were very moving and emotive.  They were then joined by members of Tameside Community Voices.  A specially prepared song-sheet in both Ukrainian and English allowed the audience to follow and participate.    The choirs then joined together to sing the final carol ‘Silent Night’.   

Angela Robbins, Past President, Tameside Rotary, said “As Rotarians, it is our privilege to support many local communities but it’s more of a privilege and we feel much more driven to help, when a community, like the Ukrainians, are undergoing such turmoil because of the Russian invasion. 

“At a time that we very much associate being with our families celebrating Christmas, many people attending and participating today will be missing their loved ones back in Ukraine.  

“Our ‘Baby Incubator 4 Ukraine’ appeal is just one way we felt we could help. 

“The generous donations received today will go directly towards this project which feels so very appropriate at Christmas time”. 

Rotarian Cliff Hall gave a brief update on the ‘Incubator 4 Ukraine Appeal.

He said: “So far, the sum raised is £9400 including £403 raised from this Carol Service.

“We now hope to shortly be in a position to raise the remaining £2000 so we can buy and safely transport this very special baby incubator (which runs off different sources of power including car batteries) to help save precious and innocent premature babies. 

“It is our sincere wish that this initiative will help foster a sense of hope at such a difficult time for the Ukrainian community.”