BLC Hosts Weekly Welcome Event for Ukrainian Refugees

The British Ladies Club (BLC) of Luxembourg recently launched an initiative aimed at bringing newly arrived Ukrainian women and children together to talk and / or play in a welcoming and supportive environment. 

The first BLC Welcome Event took place on Thursday 10 March 2022 outside the old St George's School building in Luxembourg-Kirchberg (9 Rue des Marguerites, L-2127) and, according to the BLC, had a very good turnout, thus demonstrating the need for such a service. 

Speaking to Chronicle.lu, Liz Hunt-Farafonov, a BLC member who came up with the initiative and organises it, together with "an amazing team of volunteers", each Thursday morning, explained that the main goal was to provide an "initial point of contact" and a "safe social space" for Ukrainian refugees, as well as host families and any other volunteers or those wishing to volunteer to support people arriving in Luxembourg from Ukraine. 

Last week's first event enabled newcomers to Luxembourg to speak to one another in their own language(s) – for some, it was the first time they could speak Ukrainian or Russian face to face with someone since their arrival in the Grand Duchy. 

Liz Hunt-Farafonov noted that LUkraine asbl, a local non-profit organisation representing the Ukrainian community in Luxembourg, had provided the BLC with language volunteers for this initiative. She praised the fact that so many initiatives are now popping up but recalled the need for people "to take the lead on initiatives". Associations like LUkraine asbl will then spread the word and provide volunteers. Even among the refugees themselves, there are many who have volunteered their services as translators and teachers. 

Ms Hunt-Farafonov also spoke of the "incredible strength" of the women who attended the first BLC Welcome Event. "You can feel the power coming off these women". 

For the time being, the BLC will continue to organise this weekly event on Thursday mornings, outdoors at the old St George's School building, although they would like to be able to eventually host it indoors, in case of unfavourable weather conditions. 

Those wishing to support and / or receive further information about this initiative are invited to contact the BLC via email: luxembourg.BLC@gmail.com.