Norwich: Meet the people with unwavering support for Ukraine

Iryna Forostyan, Brett Mackenzie and Jonathon Childs have been helping Ukrainians in the war-torn country and here in Norwich <i>(Image: Supplied by Iryna Forostyan)</i>
Iryna Forostyan, Brett Mackenzie and Jonathon Childs have been helping Ukrainians in the war-torn country and here in Norwich (Image: Supplied by Iryna Forostyan)
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People in Norwich who have worked tirelessly since before the Russian invasion to help Ukrainians abroad and on home soil have shared how momentum for the cause hasn't - and shouldn't - slow down.

Jonathon Childs, landlord of the Garden House pub in Pembroke Road, has spent just shy of 12 months drumming up and directing support to where it's needed most - both on home soil and overseas.

His efforts have seen more than £30,000 in food aid distributed across Europe. In the first weekend of the war alone, he helped raise €1,200 in emergency supplies for the area.

Norwich Evening News: The landlord at The Garden House pub hands out more than 300 advent calendars to people in needThe landlord at The Garden House pub hands out more than 300 advent calendars to people in need (Image: Jonathon Childs)

He has also raised tens of thousands in monetary donations from his charitable work and thanks to the kindness of his customers.

"People are very charitable with items, but the easiest way to help is with money," he explained.

"A tin of baked beans here may cost 60p, over in Poland you can get four for that price and it also helps their economy and takes the transport costs out."

Norwich Evening News: Christmas food boxes for a Ukrainian families in NorwichChristmas food boxes for a Ukrainian families in Norwich (Image: Jonathon Childs)

Closer to home, Jonathon helped supply a buffet and toys for families in Norwich celebrating Orthodox Christmas Day last weekend.

He added: "Need for aid has really ramped up since Christmas.

"It's awful to have to help but this last year has made me proud of Norfolk."

Norwich Evening News: Jonathon has deliveries of rice and protein bars which he sends to UkraineJonathon has deliveries of rice and protein bars which he sends to Ukraine (Image: Jonathon Childs)

Jonathon has worked alongside Brett Mackenzie of Viking Combatives in Aylsham Road in his efforts.

Brett served in the military for five years and has worked with Vans without Borders to deliver aid to warehouses in Poland and has given them some training to ensure their safety.

Mr Mackenzie said: "I'm deeply worried.

Norwich Evening News: Brett Mackenzie of Viking Combatives in Aylsham RoadBrett Mackenzie of Viking Combatives in Aylsham Road (Image: Brett Mackenzie)

"People need to wake up, we're living in dangerous times.

"This work is so important. I know people out there, just like the others do."

Ukrainian national Iryna Forostyan has lived in the UK since May 2017 and has helped coordinate aid ended in Ukraine from afar with Brett and Jonathon while also celebrating 7,000 years of Ukrainian culture and history with British people.

Norwich Evening News: 750 dry suits have been sent off to refugees in Ukraine, along with 250 for a winter warmth campaign here in Norfolk750 dry suits have been sent off to refugees in Ukraine, along with 250 for a winter warmth campaign here in Norfolk (Image: Jonathon Childs)

"It's all about connecting with people," she said.

"There are people that have supported us since day one thanks to the willingness of people.

"But people here tire from Ukrainian problems as they have their own.

"We need to keep talking about Ukraine and continue to thank people for their support."

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