A CLACKS fundraising initiative held a wreath making session last week, to show support for Ukrainian refugees.

Café Ukraine has been operating in Clackmannanshire for just over a year now, having held their first fundraising café on St Andrew’s Day in 2022, as reported by the Advertiser.

Now, they have reopened their doors to host a Christmas wreath workshop on Thursday, November 30 to raise funds for Ukraine.

Alan Smart, who organised the event, told the Advertiser this was a good fundraiser to allow people to have a practical hand in showing their support.

He said: “St Andrew’s Day has a special significance to Café Ukraine, as it was on St Andrew’s Day last year that we hosted our first fundraising café for Ukraine.

“We have had several cafes since on all of the ‘Saints Days’ in 2023. But we do more than that.

“We act as an East Clackmannanshire collection point for TASH for Ukraine, the largest collector of donations for Ukraine in Scotland, and also help integrate the Ukranian refugee community in Clacks.

“Now, we are temporarily diversifying into Christmas wreath making to help fund our ongoing activities as give people a practical means of showing solidarity with Ukraine as the war approaches the end of its second year.”

The wreaths have been made by a group of volunteers, including Yuri Karaman, a Ukrainian refugee who now lives in Dollar.

Wreaths cost £20 and can be bought from Café Ukraine at 12 Bridge Street, Dollar or ordered online at cafeukraine2023@gmail.com.