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The Heart of Cabi Foundation visit Ukrainian women in North Surrey

Last week, we were delighted to welcome local Ukrainian women refugees in North Surrey to a personal styling and clothing distribution event at Revive Coffee Shop in partnership with The Heart of Cabi Foundation and Runnymede Foodbank.

The Heart of Cabi Foundation is a charity that serves local communities in the UK, US and Canada. Each spring, Cabi stylists apply to the Foundation to be granted the opportunity to organise a Love Local event in the local community.

This year, Cabi stylist, Traci Bunch, worked with Oksana from Voluntary Support and Runnymede Foodbank to identify women in the community who might benefit from the experience and the clothing.

Following the event, Traci said:

I loved meeting so many of the beautiful and talented Ukrainian women who have been displaced from their home country and are doing their best to make a life for themselves in England until they can go home again. It was a pleasure to bring a little joy to them and to send them home with brand new clothes to make them look and feel even more beautiful and confident. I am proud to be part of a fashion brand that puts giving and community at its core – one that allows us the opportunity to serve women in vulnerable circumstances and to spread a little joy to those who need it most.

The Foundation sent over 200 items of brand new clothing and the stylists each brought stock to gift to local Ukrainian women like Olena and Olha.

After the event, Olena said:

I wanted to say a huge thank you for the incredible experience I had at the free styling event. As a Ukrainian refugee, I had no idea how much this event would impact me. For so long, happiness has felt like a distant memory, but on that day I was reminded of what it feels like to be truly happy. Not only was I given free clothes, but the lady who styled me, Vanessa, was absolutely amazing. Her care and attention made me feel very emotional, but in a good way.

Olha also sent a message after the event, saying:

Thank you for all your kindness and free clothes I was gifted from cabi Foundation. Your kindness and generosity have touched my heart in ways I can’t even begin to describe. Whenever I wear the items I received that day, I will be reminded of the warmth and happiness I felt in that moment. Huge thanks to all who organised the event.

Voluntary Support offer social, practical and employment support to people from Ukraine settling into everyday life in the UK.

We hold regular drop-ins which are friendly and informal places where Ukrainians can come together. We can also connect people with local organisations which can help with finding work, applying for financial support and other help people might need. You can read more about our Ukrainian support here.