Big Help Project hosts huge Ukrainian Easter and pre-Eurovision celebration
On Sunday, multi-award-winning charity ‘Big Help Project’ hosted another large party at Hope House following the success of last year’s Platinum Jubilee event, this time in celebration of Ukrainian Easter and in anticipation of Eurovision being hosted in Liverpool this May. Guests enjoyed traditional Ukrainian dances and choirs, live music, face painting, outdoor activities, and an array of food, including Ukrainian, Nigerian, and Italian – all free of charge!
Despite the weather, the event had an incredible turnout, with over 200 attendees, made up of both the local Ukrainian community, alongside residents in Kensington and the surrounding areas; a true testament to the charity’s commitment to being a safe space for community growth.
Notable attendees included the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mr. Mark Blundell; The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, the Right Worshipful Cllr Roy Gladden; and Cllrs for the Kensington area, Cllr Liz Parsons, Cllr Wendy Simon, and Cllr Liam Robinson.
The event truly showcased the community spirit that Big Help Project are lucky to witness every Friday at the Ukrainian drop-in session hosted at Hope House. Sunday was not only an opportunity for the Ukrainian community to meet, celebrate, and share their traditions, but also a reminder that Big Help Project will serve as a safe space and community hub as long as they may want it.
Further demonstrating Big Help Project’s efforts to support the Ukrainian community, Hope House is also now host to English lessons on a drop-in basis, alongside the regular Friday drop-ins and the use of our space to host the Ukrainian children’s choir in preparation for their upcoming performances surrounding Eurovision.
Quotes:
Peter Mitchell (Chief Executive Officer at Big Help Group) said: “It has been an immense privilege to see such a strong community come together since starting our work with Ukrainian families following the outbreak of war, and that sense of community was encapsulated by our event on Sunday. I am so proud to lead an organization that is consistently at the forefront of supportive and celebratory efforts, and welcomes every person with open arms."
Anna Ekvist (Ukrainian Engagement Officer at Big Help Project) said: “This was a fantastic event for our community to celebrate Ukrainian Easter and the upcoming Eurovision finale. We’re thankful to Big Help Project for giving us an opportunity to be able to perform our cultural dances and songs, and a chance to share our traditions and food with the local community. For Ukrainians currently fleeing the war, it means a lot to be welcomed here with open arms."
Fr Taras (Ukrainian Parish Priest): “Big Help have been a special organisation to us in the Ukrainian community ever since the start of the full-scale invasion, this event celebrating our Easter was a wonderful and emotional example of the work we do together and of which we can all be so proud. People from my country were naturally fearful of the circumstances they left our homeland but have been overwhelmed by the reception that have received from the people of Liverpool and our ongoing special relationship with our brothers and sisters at Big Help.”
The Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB): "The Liverpool branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, the Ukrainian community of the city of Liverpool would like to express their sincere gratitude to the leadership of Big Help Project, in particular, the head of the organisation Peter Mitchell, his deputy Colette Golding and all the employees for organising the Easter event which was a meaningful and very enjoyable experience.