Like they did for Syrian refugees, Brightonites are coming together to find ways to help Ukrainians fleeing conflict settle in the area.
The grassroots committee, Helping Ukrainians Get Settled in Brighton or (HUGS in Brighton), has a summer planter box auction fundraiser taking place all month.
“We have several specially painted planter boxes up for silent auction,” said Liana Palmer – a HUGS fundraising committee member.
Local carpenters donated the boxes and area painters have come up with unique designs to support this silent auction.
“We have one planter that was painted by a remarkable 13 year old and one that is painted by Olana, she is a member of the first family that has been re-settled to this area in May.”
Canada Day was the official unveiling of the planter boxes and they will be making appearances at various events throughout the month of July.
– Trinity St. Andrew’s Information Night on July 7th at 7:00 pm
– Wednesday Night Music in Memorial Park
– Codrington Farmers Market
– And a few more venues as they become available
When not at events, the planter boxes are on display at the Brighton Public Library.
“We also have wrist bands for sale, and we will have shirts and hoodies soon,” added Palmer. “Any donation is appreciated and help.”
HUGS in Brighton is also hosting an Information Night at the Trinity-St. Andrew’s United Church community hall on Thursday, July 7th at 7:00 pm.
They will have guest speakers, a doctor who has just returned from Poland, who will be answering questions about his experiences there, and two of the host families in Brighton who are currently talking about their experience as a host, and answering questions about being a host family.
“If you have an extra room, or a finished basement, and have been toying with the idea of how you can help, this is your opportunity to come and ask questions about the process,” added Palmer. “I encourage everyone to come out, to listen and to learn more about how we can here in the Brighton area can help people in the Ukraine.”
For more information about HUGS in Brighton, or to make a donation, you can call Liana Palmer at (613)-475-4005 or check out their group on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/HUGSinBrighton/.
