THE story of Katrina Challoner’s labour of love to help Ukraine is a remarkable one and Roughyeds are proud and privileged to invite her to the West Wales game tomorrow (3pm kick-off at the Vestacare Stadium) in order to spotlight what she’s doing — and why.
Almost single-handedly, Katrina has raised more than £2,000 for the under-fire victims of Russia’s bombardment and, as our way of thanking her, she will be a guest of the club tomorrow when she will enjoy our hospitality and then present the match-ball to the referee.
Her fund (JustGiving link below) will also benefit from a bucket collection as we continue with our match-on-match community initiatives which began when Keighley Cougars were here a fortnight ago.
This is Katrina’s story:
“I started fundraising for Ukraine shortly after the war broke out. Being of Ukrainian descent from my mum, it was important for me to help and as I cannot first-hand help the country or bring my family out from the country, I did one of the only things I could to help.
“My grandfather, who sadly passed away in July 2021, was born in Ukraine in a village near to Ternopil and, aged 16, was taken from his village by Soviet soldiers to fight in World War 2. I could not sit by and watch history repeat itself! I decided to fundraise for two charities which I saw doing amazing work in Ukraine, which are Red Cross in Ukraine and Sunflower of Peace.
“They provide immediate food, aid, medical supplies and shelter for the people still in the country facing the atrocities as well as those who have sought refuge in nearby countries such as Poland.
“I started in the hope of raising maybe a couple of hundred pounds through hand painting Ukrainian love heart keyrings, drawing digital illustration and just by getting the word out there. I then launched a raffle with donations of fantastic prizes from individuals and local businesses and before I knew it I was close to raising £1,000.
“That’s when I had the idea for the Family Funday - I wanted to double the money I already had as well as giving something back to Oldham’s community for all the support that the local people have given my cause and Ukraine.
“By the end of the Funday on Sunday, 3rd April the total had reached £2,110 and I’m determined to keep going to help the people of Ukraine stay strong and know that they’ve got a friend.”
That’s fantastic Katrina. Well done from the Roughyeds. We hope and trust you enjoy your day with us and enjoy the game.
The JustGiving link for Katrina’s cause is: https://gofund.me/9a514c11
