Event to mark 2nd Anniversary of the Invasion of Ukraine

Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network Commemorates the Second Anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine and brings the community together in a display of support and solidarity with Ukrainian people living in and around Epsom.

Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network (EERN), together with Surrey Stands with Ukraine (SSWU), invite the community to join a special gathering on Saturday 24^th February at 11am in the Market Place in Epsom, to mark the second anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine. The event will feature the participation of the local Ukrainian choir, Renaissance, who will sing the Ukrainian National Anthem. There will also be an opportunity afterwards to talk to Ukrainians about the present situation in Ukraine and to volunteers from EERN and SSWU about how people in the Epsom & Ewell community can support Ukrainians here.

The Worshipful the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell, Councillor Rob Geleit, will be in attendance, recognising the significance of this occasion. The event aims to bring the community together in a display of support and solidarity with the Ukrainian people living in and around Epsom.

“We are deeply moved by the outpouring of support from the Epsom community for Ukrainian refugees,” said Jo Sherring, Epsom & Ewell Refugee Network Lead. “This gathering is an opportunity for us to stand together in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends and reaffirm our commitment to supporting them as they rebuild their lives.“

The gathering on 24^th February will serve as a poignant reminder of the shared commitment to stand with Ukraine and all those affected by the conflict. The Ukrainian choir’s heartfelt singing of the Ukrainian National Anthem will be a touching tribute to the resilience and strength of the Ukrainian people.

“It is important for us to get together on this sad date to commemorate those who lost their lives in the war, to thank our supporters, defenders, volunteers, and the British people who gave shelter to us at these hard times for Ukraine.” said Nataliia Zadorizhna, pianist and director of the Renaissance choir who has been living in Ashtead with her 11 year old daughter since May 2022. “It is an enormous privilege to stay in the UK and to be surrounded by such noble, caring and generous people.”

Epsom has demonstrated remarkable support of Ukraine since the outbreak of the war, with numerous families opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees and donating large sums of money and goods for humanitarian relief. The community has rallied together, with many volunteers actively supporting and helping refugees integrate into the community.

All members of the Epsom community are warmly invited to attend this event, which will be a meaningful and united expression of support for the Ukrainian people. Let us come together as a community to show that Epsom stands strong in solidarity with those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

Here is a look back at last year’s event.