One year on from the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Bromley came together at the Civic Centre this morning to hold a service of remembrance, support and solidarity.
The one-minute silence was observed and the Ukrainian national anthem was played as the Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, Mayor of Bromley, Members and Officers of Bromley Council were joined by a number of Ukrainians who have moved to Bromley in the last year, and the residents who have hosted them, at an event where Bromley once again stood with its Ukrainian neighbours.
Speaking about the event, Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Hannah Gray, said: “We came together as a community today as a show of our ongoing solidarity and support for our Ukrainian friends and neighbours. We hold dear the time they spend with us, enriching our Bromley community, but we hope and pray for peace and that one day soon their homeland will be safe for them once more.”
The Mayor of Bromley led the event, which also included a Ukrainian poem read by Cllr Kira Gabbert, who is originally from Ukraine. Olga Parashchuk, who left Ukraine when Russia invaded and has since become an integral member of the Ukrainian community in Bromley, also gave a speech.
Cllr Gabbert added: “It has been a deeply upsetting year for me to see what has happened and is still happening in Ukraine. But I am heartened by the incredible welcome given by Bromley’s residents to my fellow Ukrainians fleeing the conflict and the fantastic work being done by the Council to help them.”
Bromley Council was swift to show its support for Ukraine when the conflict began, writing to the Ukrainian ambassador to express its solidarity. Since then, Bromley residents have helped more than 600 Ukrainians through the Homes for Ukraine initiative, with support from the Council and voluntary groups. It has also launched a weekly support hub, offering advice and assistance to both Ukrainians who are new to Bromley and the residents hosting them.
Recently the Mayor was also delighted to be able to pass £1300 to Rotary Clubs of Bromley to be added to their Ukraine appeal. The money had been raised through an event held at Bromley restaurant Copper Ceylon. More information about how to support the people of Ukraine
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For media enquiries, please contact Matthew Amer, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4938 or email matthew.amer@bromley.gov.uk.