Freemasons help kind-hearted community welcome Ukraine refugees,
When Russia invaded Ukraine last year it quickly became clear that a huge number of people would need help.
Michelle Henneker and others immediately started gathering donations of clothing, toiletries and other essential supplies from the local community.
Working under the name Sittingbourne & Sheppey Helping Ukrainians (SSHU), Michelle and her co-founders set up donation points at local schools and community halls, staffed by an army of volunteers who sorted and packed supplies ready for shipping to Poland where many Ukrainians sought refuge.
As Ukrainian refugees started to arrive in the UK, SSHU changed its focus and created a hub where new arrivals could collect some of life’s essentials, meet other Ukrainians and learn English.
In late 2022, SSHU was looking for a venue for a Christmas party. East Kent Province’s APGM Trevor Carter stepped forward and offered the facilities at Sittingbourne Masonic Centre free of charge. The whole festive event was then funded by the Lodges, Chapters and other orders that meet at Sittingbourne and beyond.
![[L:R] W.Bro. Trevor Carter, Michelle Henneker, Danielle Izzard and Isobella Henneker.](https://eastkentfreemasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Trevor-flag.jpg "Trevor-flag")
[L:R] W.Bro. Trevor Carter, Michelle Henneker, Danielle Izzard and Isobella Henneker.
The Sheppey FM crew.
On December 10 more than 50 refugees, along with dedicated charity volunteers, came together to celebrate. The food and drink was generously donated by Asda Sittingbourne, while Sheppey FM provided the music.
There were party games and prizes for the children, and the East Kent chapter of the Widows Sons also graced the event, with the bikers proving to be a big hit.
To finish the day on a truly heartwarming note, each child received a present from Father Christmas himself, with the gifts kindly donated by Matalan.
After the festivities had concluded and all the party poppers had been swept up, there was still £1,000 left in the coffers. Eager to make the most of this surplus, Trevor Carter contacted the East Kent Cornwallis Freemasons Charity who agreed to match the funds.
![[L:R] W.Bro Brian Bucklan (Widows Sons), W.Bro. Andy Pilbeam (Widows Sons), W.Bro. Keith Whitby (Saedingburna Lodge) and Mrs. Whitby.](https://eastkentfreemasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/widows-teddies.jpg "widows-teddies")
[L:R] W.Bro Brian Bucklan (Widows Sons), W.Bro. Andy Pilbeam (Widows Sons), W.Bro. Keith Whitby (Saedingburna Lodge) and Mrs. Whitby.
On June 16, Group 3 chairman David Mantle was able to present a cheque for £2,000 to SSHU on behalf of Freemasons in Sittingbourne, Sheppey and Wigmore.
David said: “With the war still continuing and no end in sight, Group 3 will carry on helping Michelle and the Ukrainian families by arranging a race evening later in the year.”
SSHU is now pursuing full charitable status and is organising a monthly boot fair to raise further funds for their cause. The boot fair will be held at the Sittingbourne Masonic Centre, again free of charge to SSHU.
Michelle Henneker said: “I can’t thank the local Freemasons enough. Their involvement has made such a huge difference.”
If you’d like to get involved with Sittingbourne & Sheppey Helping Ukrainians, please get in touch at Sittingbourne.sou@outlook.com, or look for them on Facebook.
To find out more about joining us at East Kent Freemasons, visit www.justaskone,org
![[L:R] W.Bro. David Mantle, Michelle Henneker and Noah Henneker](https://eastkentfreemasons.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/cheque-flag.jpg "cheque-flag")
[L:R] W.Bro. David Mantle, Michelle Henneker and Noah Henneker