Council vows to top up “thank you” payments for people hosting Ukrainian families in Milton Keynes
Milton Keynes City Council has announced plans to top up payments for residents hosting Ukrainian families, ensuring they continue to receive full support. Since 2022, more than 550 Ukrainians have settled in Milton Keynes, with most welcomed into the homes of generous local hosts. From April, the UK Government will cap national “thank you” payments at £350 per month, regardless of how long families have been in the country — prompting the Council to step in and protect local hosts from losing vital support. Read the full article on the MK Citizen website.
British‑Ukrainian Christmas Tree Installed at Milton Keynes Central Library
Ukraine Appeal CIO and the Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School proudly present a British‑Ukrainian Christmas tree at Milton Keynes Central Library. Decorated by local Ukrainian children, the tree symbolises unity, resilience and the vibrant Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes.
Ukraine Appeal and Sunflower Ukrainian School at the City of Code and Lights Festival 2024
The Ukrainian community of Milton Keynes took part in the City of Code and Lights Festival 2024, a vibrant celebration of creativity, innovation, art and technology. Children from the Sunflower Ukrainian Saturday School presented their handmade light installations, showcasing culture, talent and community spirit.
Ukraine Appeal Delivers Four Generators to Kherson Region
Ukraine Appeal has delivered four inverter generators to the Kherson region, providing essential heat and power to communities affected by ongoing attacks. Funded through donations and volunteer support, this mission brings real help and hope to Ukrainians facing infrastructure damage and daily hardship.
Ukrainian Community of Milton Keynes Joins Vyshyvanka Parade in London
Representatives of the Ukrainian community in Milton Keynes joined the vibrant Vyshyvanka Parade in London, proudly showcasing traditional embroidery and cultural heritage. Ukraine Appeal Charity took part in the march, celebrating unity, identity, and support for Ukraine. More photos from the event are now available.
Ukrainian school is 'priceless' and aims to expand
BBC News, Buckinghamshire
A Saturday school for Ukrainian refugees could help more children with extra funding, organisers have said. The Sunflower School in Milton Keynes offers classes in a range of subjects in Ukrainian. Viktoriya Shtanko is a co-founder of Ukraine Appeal, which runs the school. She said the school is "priceless" and wants to help more people stay connected with their language and culture.
King Charles III Visits Milton Keynes and Meets the Ukrainian Community
Milton Keynes marked a historic milestone as it celebrated its newly granted city status — and the occasion was honoured by a special visit from His Majesty King Charles III. During the celebration, the King met with a range of community groups that represent the diversity, resilience and civic spirit of Milton Keynes. Among them was the Ukrainian community, represented by volunteers and leaders from Ukraine Appeal, a Milton Keynes–based charity supporting Ukrainian refugees and delivering humanitarian aid to Ukraine.
War in Ukraine: 'My fear is that I may lose my family any minute'
This BBC News report captures the moment our charity journey began, as Viktoriya Shtanko — now CEO of Ukraine Appeal — spoke about the fear for her family in Ukraine and the urgent need to help her hometown under attack. What started with three volunteers coordinating supplies from Milton Keynes has since grown into a registered charity, a strong Ukrainian community hub, and the officially recognised Sunflower Ukrainian Supplementary School. This media coverage tells the story of how our mission to support Ukraine first took shape.