The John Sykes Foundation has donated a grant of more than £1,300 to the Reading branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB)
It will support their work in the community, including helping purchase a new printer for the library at their Community Centre, assist with operational costs, and cover librarian volunteer expenses.
This will enable the organisation to continue delivering essential services and fostering cultural connections.
From its centre in Sidmouth Street, AUGB provides a welcoming hub for Ukrainians and others to come together, access vital resources, and share their rich heritage together.
Amid the ongoing crisis in Ukraine, the group has also been pivotal in supporting refugees and displaced families who have arrived in our area, offering practical assistance, emotional support, and a sense of belonging.
The association was founded in 1946 by Ukrainians who came to Great Britain following the Second World War, and the Reading premises were acquired in 1969 due to the hard work and fundraising of Second World War refugees that had settled in Reading.
Representatives of the John Sykes of the Foundation visited the centre to meet with Peter Andrijeczko, Reading branch
chair; Iryna Bakaliar, chief librarian and library project lead; and committee member Karen Stanbridge.
They were also joined by Volunteer Librarians and service users to learn more about the library and the services on offer at the centre.
Karen Stanbridge said: “The majority of our librarians are displaced Ukrainian mothers with young children living in Reading. They work part time around their children and don’t have the support of a family network nearby.
“All of our librarians have a strong desire to give back and help others who are feeling lost–they know what it feels like.
Amazing transformational work has taken place since the inception of our library: these ladies have become each other’s support network.
“They’ve seen tears of joy from many across the large Ukrainian community we have in Reading when they arrive at the library and have access to wonderful books in their native language.
“They feel safe, they feel they belong again.”
