A West Lothian woman is set to host a pop-up shop to support Ukrainian refugees - inspired by the story of her Ukrainian grandfather making a life for himself in Scotland.
Set up by Charis Cetnarsky, on offer at the free shop for refugees is clothing, shoes, toys, and toiletries - as well as support to gain employment from local community groups like StartScotland.
The event will take place at Crofthead Farm Community Centre in Dedridge, Livingston, from 10am to 2pm next Saturday (July 30).
This is the second pop-up shop for Ukrainian refugees in West Lothian - with the last event taking place in May this year.
Charis said: ”This is the second pop-up shop I’ve set up, the last one was in May.
“I’ve seen massive support from the local community with loads of donations - I have to thank the community champions at Asda and Morrisons as well for their huge support.
“The last shop was a huge success, with around 70 to 80 Ukrainians coming through the doors, but we still had an abundance of donations so I’ve been liaising with local community groups and the council to get this next shop set up.
“Now we have support from people like Hannah from StartScotland, who can support Ukrainians with national insurance numbers to get employment locally - and continue to support them while employed.
“I’m really happy that the local support agencies are getting involved and helping to support Ukrainian refugees in West Lothian.”
Locals interested in supporting the pop-up shop can do so by dropping off their donation to Crofthead Farm Community Centre in Dedridge - with the most in-demand items being new toiletries and fresh underwear and socks.
Also in attendance at the event will be Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian, StartScotland, Wellbeing Scotland, and the Worker Support Centre.
Charis was inspired to support incoming refugees from the story of her Ukrainian grandfather - who came to Scotland after the second world war.
Charis explains: ”My granddad came from Ukraine, he fought as a partisan during the second world war and left the country when the fighting was done.
“He came over to Scotland and built a life and a family for himself here - that’s really my main inspiration for running the pop-up shops, knowing that these families can start a life in Scotland the same way my grandad did.”
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