Our Ukrainian refugee family

Hi, I’m Anna Dentschuk, and with my family, we are sponsoring a Ukrainian family fleeing from war. I have set up this link as my friends keep asking me what they can do to help me settle them in. We want to gather some funds for them for their first few weeks so they can access essentials including travel and London’s facilities.

Oksana Tkachenko (mum) and her two children, Roman (15) and Yevheniia (8), have fled from Kyiv, leaving their husband/father, dog and everything behind. They have been sheltering in western Ukraine, but conditions continue to deteriorate and we have been glad to help them apply for visas and invite them to stay with us for as long as they need. They are arriving on Monday (11th April) with a suitcase each and limited English. My father is Ukrainian and can speak the language and will be here to help them settle in. Our middle child has the biggest bedroom and has offered to move back in with his younger brother to give them their own space. We are in the process of trying to find them school places.

Oksana has told me that she is worried about being a burden on us. She wants to contribute but has left everything behind in Ukraine. I expect she won’t be able to work until she feels more confident in her spoken English. She will be able to claim benefits, but universal credit doesn’t kick in for at least 5 weeks. We want to make them feel as welcome as possible and will give them all of the money raised here for things they need. We want to get them some basic things:

- New sheets

- New towels

- Mattress savers

- Fridge and kettle for their room

- Toiletries

- New Stationary and school bags

- Travel cards

- Museum pass

If you have are any specific suggestions you think I should add I’d love to hear from you!

We are immensely grateful for your generosity and kindness, Anna, Oksana and our families