Emmaus Hull & East Riding have recently partnered with local Ukraine action group, Hull 4 Ukraine, to help refugees who have settled in the city access wider support.
Emmaus provides a home, support, and meaningful work for people with experience of homelessness. The charity generates income from the sale of second-hand goods at three shops on Whitefriargate, Newland Avenue and Lockwood Street.
Emmaus and Hull 4 Ukraine have set up an in-store voucher scheme for all those who have arrived in Hull due to conflict in Ukraine. Displaced people are able to redeem their vouchers for free essential items, including shoes, clothes, toys and homeware in all three of Emmaus Hull & East Riding’s shops.
Through the voucher scheme, Emmaus Hull & East Riding and Hull 4 Ukraine have been able to provide over 200 people with much-needed belongings.
Emmaus Hull & East Riding and Hull 4 Ukraine are appealing to the public for donations to ensure everyone can get the items they need. The organisations are asking for donations of clothing, shoes, accessories and bedding.
Kelly Finnis, Director of Emmaus Hull & East Riding, said: “We are so proud to be supporting Hull 4 Ukraine, solidarity is close to our heart and the foundation on which Emmaus has grown both nationally and internationally. Hull 4 Ukraine has made a substantial difference to those affected by the war in Ukraine and our ability to support a small part of their work feels absolutely the right thing to do. We welcome those resettled in our city into our stores, and we hope through this joint initiative we are able to demonstrate the kindness of our local community during these uncertain times.”
Emmaus Hull & East Riding are also helping those affected by the conflict to gain new skills and get to know the community in Hull through volunteering opportunities in their shops.
Alan Hardy, the Chair of Hull 4 Ukraine, said: “We’re delighted to be partnered with Emmaus Hull & East Riding. Their support has enabled guests from Ukraine to shop for all the belongings they had to leave behind in such a friendly environment. We love seeing all the work that Emmaus Hull & East Riding do in the local community, especially their outreach support service, it’s great to see such a sense of community in Hull.”
Donated goods can be dropped at The Emmaus Emporium at 51 Whitefriargate, Hull, HU1 2HP from 10am to 4:30pm, Monday to Saturday, or collected by calling Emmaus on 01482 223722.
Book a donations collection here: www.emmaus.org.uk/hull/donate-goods/book-a-collection