October is Family History Month — the perfect time to rediscover your roots
Across the UK and around the world, October is dedicated to exploring family heritage, preserving archival memories and reconnecting with the stories that shaped us. Originating in the United States in the early 2000s, Family History Month is now embraced by libraries, archives, museums and genealogy groups in Britain, Canada and Australia. It’s a moment to pause, reflect and begin tracing your own family tree — even if you only have 15–30 minutes a day. Small, simple steps can help you build a 3–4 generation tree, uncover documents, collect family stories and organise your research. Start today, and discover how far your journey into the past can take you.
Ukraine Appeal Brings to Milton Keynes a Historical Exhibition on the Holodomor Previously Displayed in the UK Parliament
Created by the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, this English‑language exhibition explores the Holodomor of 1932–1933 — the man‑made famine imposed by the Soviet regime that devastated Ukraine and claimed millions of lives.
Celebrating Cultural Harmony Through Songs
Ukraine Appeal took part in the Cultural Harmony: All Nations Meet & Greet event at the Fishermead Trinity Centre — a vibrant celebration of community, heritage and unity across Milton Keynes. Our representative, Olha Pereverzeva, brought Ukrainian culture to the heart of the event through a moving musical performance that resonated deeply with audiences.
Ukraine Appeal and “Sunflower” Join the Milton Keynes City of Codes & Light Festival 2026
On 3 October, Ukraine Appeal and the Education Centre “Sunflower” took part in the City of Codes & Light Festival in Milton Keynes, organised by MKIAC. This was an evening of light, music, creativity and community. From illuminated installations to the Lantern Parade, the event brought together local residents and the Ukrainian community.
Care Packs Available for Ukrainian Families in Need
Ukraine Appeal is distributing 2kg Care Packs containing essential hygiene and care items donated by CarePacks (Charity No. 1209874). Eligible families and individuals experiencing financial hardship or vulnerability can now apply online. Each pack includes items for adults, babies and young children, aiming to support those most in need across our community.
Ukraine Appeal and Sunflower Supplementary School Join National HOPE Campaign
Ukraine Appeal and the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School are joining the national “HOPE – Help Other People Eat” campaign, led by AUGB and AUW, to honour the victims of the Holodomor and support families facing food insecurity today in both the UK and Ukraine. Our community is collecting non‑perishable food for the local Food Bank and raising funds for the “Bake for Ukraine” mobile bakery, which delivers fresh bread to frontline villages in Ukraine.
Sunflower Ukrainian School pupils are excited to see FC Shakhtar Match at Stamford Bridge
Pupils from the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School enjoyed an unforgettable experience at Stamford Bridge, attending the FC Shakhtar Donetsk vs AEK Athens match thanks to complimentary tickets provided by the Union of Ukrainian Teachers in Great Britain. For the children, it was their first time at a Premier League stadium — a joyful evening filled with excitement, pride and Ukrainian spirit.
Heritage Open Days 2026: A Week of Ukrainian Culture, Memory and Community in Milton Keynes
Ukraine Appeal proudly concluded an extraordinary week of events for Heritage Open Days 2026, bringing Ukrainian culture, craft, memory and community spirit to audiences across Milton Keynes. Over 100 participants joined Ukraine Appeal’s programme and experienced Ukrainian heritage first‑hand — through art, craft, food, storytelling, wellbeing and performance. Throughout the week, visitors took part in workshops, exhibitions, theatre and heritage activities that showcased the richness, resilience and beauty of Ukrainian traditions.
Run for Heroes 2026: For Those Who Fell, Supporting Those Who Carry the Loss
Run for Heroes 2026 honours Ukraine’s fallen defenders, shares their stories, and raises funds for generators for communities under attack. A powerful community event in Milton Keynes supporting Ukraine during Russia’s ongoing war.
Ukrainians in Milton Keynes Celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence
On Saturday, 22 August 2026, the Ukrainian community of Milton Keynes gathered at the Church of Christ the Cornerstone to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence. Organised by Ukraine Appeal and the Sunflower Ukrainian Education Centre, the event brought together the Ukrainian community, local residents, MK leaders, and partners for a powerful celebration of Ukrainian culture, resilience, and unity in defending Ukraine's independence and protecting freedom across Europe.
Computers for school in Ukraine
Ukraine Appeal has delivered another high‑impact project supporting education in Ukraine. Through a collaboration with Professor Michael Mainelli, Z/Yen Group and Tech 4 Reuse, refurbished computers are being sent to Lyceum No. 2 in Pokrovsk, enabling pupils and teachers to continue learning despite the ongoing war. Building on this success, partners have committed to providing 40 additional laptops, strengthening our long‑term support for Ukrainian children and advancing our mission to deliver practical, life‑changing aid.
Ukrainian young people take part in Milton Keynes Armed Forces Flag Raising
Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School proudly joined the Milton Keynes Armed Forces Day Flag Raising, where pupil Melaniia Borysenko read the poem “Peace in Our Time,” symbolising unity, gratitude, and shared hope between the UK and Ukraine.
Vyshyvanka Runway Transforms Milton Keynes into a Living Artwork
Vyshyvanka Runway: The Code of Identity transformed Milton Keynes city centre into a vibrant living artwork created by the Ukrainian community. More than 100 displaced women and children crafted 30 embroidered tapestries representing all regions of Ukraine, turning the city into a powerful celebration of culture, identity, and unity. This unique street‑art installation by Ukraine Appeal highlights the resilience of Ukrainians in the UK and the strength of community, heritage, and shared memory.
Local Media Celebrates Ukrainian Couple’s Royal Garden Party Appearance
MKFM has highlighted the inspiring participation of Ukrainians at the Royal Garden Party, recognising it as an achievement not only for our Ukrainian community but for the wider Milton Keynes family. A Ukrainian couple from MK, invited to Buckingham Palace last week, even earned a charming new nickname — “The Ukrainian Bridgertons” — thanks to their elegant and beautifully traditional attire that captured the attention of visitors. Their presence at this prestigious event reflects the growing contribution, cultural pride, and resilience Ukrainians bring to local life, and celebrates the strong support shown by residents across the city.
Ukraine Appeal CEO Represents Our Community at the Royal Garden Party
Ukraine Appeal CEO Viktoriya Shtanko was honoured to represent the Ukrainian community at the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, a prestigious event recognising individuals who make a positive impact in the UK. Her invitation highlights the growing contribution of Ukrainians in Milton Keynes and the important work of our charity supporting families, culture, and community resilience.
40 Years Since the Chornobyl Disaster: Remembrance Day in Milton Keynes (VIDEO)
Milton Keynes marks 40 years since the Chornobyl disaster with a community remembrance event honouring victims and promoting peace. Organised by Viktoriya Shtanko on behalf of Ukraine Appeal, Sunflower Ukrainian School, and the Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes, in partnership with the MK Peace Pagoda and The Parks Trust.
Ukrainian Parish of St George Receives Official Status in Milton Keynes
The Ukrainian Church Parish in Milton Keynes has officially received its recognised status, marking a significant milestone for the local Ukrainian community. Now formally known as the Orthodox Ukrainian Parish of St George the Victorious, Milton Keynes City, the parish strengthens the spiritual and cultural life of Ukrainians who have made the city their home.
Supporting Ohmatdyt: How Our Community Turned Compassion Into Action
Ukraine Appeal and Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes donated £500 to support Ohmatdyt Children’s Hospital in Kyiv through a community‑led fundraiser and emergency appeal. Thanks to donations from our “Andriyivski Vechornytsi” charity performance, additional contributions after the missile attack on the hospital, and the commitment of our volunteers, essential medicines have now been purchased and delivered. This joint effort by the Milton Keynes Ukrainian community, Sunflower School, and our partners in Ukraine shows how compassion and unity can bring real help to children in need.
Ukrainian Community Joins Milton Keynes St David’s Day Celebration Honouring Gareth Jones
Ukraine Appeal Charity joined the Milton Keynes St David’s Day celebration honouring Welsh journalist Gareth Jones, whose reporting exposed the Holodomor. CEO Viktoriya Shtanko spoke at the MK Rose, laying flowers on behalf of the Ukrainian community and highlighting the importance of truth and remembrance.
Standing with Heroes: Honouring Memory, Supporting the Future
Ukraine Appeal brought the community together for Standing with Heroes, a moving event honouring those who gave their lives for Ukraine’s freedom. In a space of remembrance and solidarity, we reflected on the courage of fallen defenders and those still protecting Ukraine today. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, an EcoFlow generator funded through the event has now been delivered to the Sumy region, providing vital assistance to people living under constant threat. This collective effort shows the strength, unity, and compassion of the Milton Keynes Ukrainian community and our partners.