Powys organisations and residents who helped resettle Ukrainians in the county were honoured at a special celebration.
A celebration of the support of Powys to the people of Ukraine was hosted by the High Sheriff of Powys, Tom Jones OBE and was held at Brecon y Gaer on Wednesday, March 15.
Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces last year millions have been forced to flee the country with thousands relocating to the UK throught the government’s resettlement programme.
In that time 446 individual Ukrainians have come to Powys with 248 Ukrainians still living in the county which saw the Welsh Government act as a Super Sponsor.
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Council leader James Gibson-Watt and Deputy Leader Matthew Dorrance said in a statement: “This was a wonderful ceremony and we would like to thank the High Sheriff of Powys for bringing us together to celebrate what has been an incredible effort of community support, shared hope and solidarity for and with our Ukrainian friends and neighbours.
“The recipients of these awards fully deserve this special recognition awards. On behalf of Powys County Council, we would like to thank them and everyone else in the county for all the help and support they have offered to those in need.”
As part of the event, invited guests and dignitaries heard from guest speakers. However, the main part of the event saw the High Sheriff of Powys and the Leader of Powys County Council, Councillor James Gibson-Watt, present special recognition awards to those in the county who have made special contributions to supporting Ukrainians and Ukraine.
Among those honoured were Reverend Richard Wootten who has been a “guiding light” for Ukrainian guests and their hosts who have settled in and around Brecon.
Igor Sydorov who is seen by many as the face and voice of Ukrainians in Brecon for working with the various agencies and being key to setting up support for fellow Ukrainians.
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Local journalist Sarah Shuffell, who was on the ground in Ukraine at the start of the war and provided technical support to Ukrainian journalists so that they could broadcast and tell the story of the war around the world.
She and four colleagues came together and as a group they placed 1,200 Ukrainian Refugees with hosts in Wales, with Sarah personally placing around 300 guests with hosts.
Forden’s Jane Morgan set up a Facebook group called Buy and Sell UK – 100 per cent to the DEC Ukraine Appeal in March 2022 in order to raise funds for those who have bene affected by the war in Ukraine – raising over £24,000.
PAVO – On Behalf of the Voluntary Sector in Powys and Powys County Council’s Ukrainian Resettlement Team were recognised for their roles in resettling many of the refugees in the county.
As were Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees and Crickhowell Supports Ukraine worked very closely together and organised several events including Christmas celebrations, walks throughout the local area as well as regular fundraising events.
The Hotel Commodore and owners Andrea and Rohan Murdoch were honoured after being allocated an initial accommodation site for the Welsh Government and for ensuring that guests were given “a true Powys welcome”.
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