Exeter people rally to raise funds for Ukrainian refugees

Published: 14 April 2022

People in Exeter have been thanked for their generosity in helping raise funds for Ukrainian refugees.

A charity lecture by Exeter historian Dr Todd Gray raised £1,815 for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. The money will go towards helping Ukrainian refugees settling in Exeter.

A total of 70 people attended the lecture at Exeter’s historic Guildhall and a Just Giving page was set up to take donations. Todd also sold a number of his books and donated the sales to the charity.

Entitled 'Exeter & its own struggle for freedom' the lecture explored similarities between the Exeter Blitz and the current invasion of Ukraine by the Russian army.

Todd said he wanted to thank everyone who helped in organising this event and especially those who supported it financially.

“Eighty years ago Exeter was bombed by a dictator who had invaded country after country, now we have in Exeter ordinary people seeking safety from another dictator who is bombing their country and murdering their people. Some day a future Exeter historian will look back at 2022 and praise Exeter’s people for the way they have stepped up to help strangers,” he added.

Tanya Larsen from the newly set up Devon Ukrainian Association also spoke at the lecture about what they are doing in Exeter.

A Conversation Café has been set up in Paris Street, Exeter, to welcome newly arrived Ukrainians. There is also support for hosts and fundraising cultural events are being planned. There will also be an opportunity to donate money to the cause at the café and online at Devon For Ukraine – Supporting Ukrainian People

Tanya said: "We are a local group who are able to deliver aid and support Ukrainians, both on their journey to Exeter and when they arrive. All the group are volunteers so no money goes on admin costs, and we are very grateful for any donations, big or small."