Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland donates proceeds of Oakham charity event to Rutland Community First Responders

A Ukrainian Rotary Club has given back to the community that welcomed them by supporting a volunteer-led lifesaving group.

The Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club of Rutland handed over a £1,000 donation to Rutland Community First Responders (CFR) on Saturday.

The group supports the East Midlands Ambulance Service by responding to 999 calls and delivering critical care before paramedics arrive.

Proceeds were raised at a March charity concert in Oakham, an evening which aimed to unite the local and Ukrainian communities in music, solidarity, and shared purpose.

“We are incredibly proud to support the Rutland First Responders,” said club co-founder, Nadia Tikhonova.

“These volunteers give up countless hours each week to respond swiftly to medical emergencies, often arriving before ambulances.

“Their dedication saves lives in our community, and we’re honoured to contribute.”

The club’s mission is so serve the Rutland community while also sending humanitarian aid back home.

“We are dedicated to both our local neighbourhood and our Ukrainian homeland,” Nadia added.

“This donation not only expresses our deep gratitude for the life-saving work of Barbara and her team but also reinforces our wider mission - to spread kindness, care, and solidarity wherever we can.”

The UK’s first Ukrainian Rotary Impact Club has delivered more than six ambulance-loads of mobility equipment to Ukraine since its launch in late 2022.

It also organises community events for families and runs a children’s club.

In August, its members will take part in a charity abseil to raise further funds for life-saving equipment for Ukraine.

Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/rotaryimpactabseil to donate.