Ukrainians say thank you to their West Norfolk hosts

Also attending with the host families were the Mayor of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, Cllr Paul Bland, and Cllr Jo Rust, Cabinet Member for People and Communities.

The Mayor welcomed guests to the event:

“The Town Hall is an historic place which has been a centre of international relations for many hundreds of years as peoples from all over Europe have come here to trade and form relationships with the folk of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.

“Such is the international influence of our European neighbours, this building is even decorated in the Flemish style flintwork of craftsmen from across the sea, and Ukrainians, albeit in much more traumatic circumstances, are just the latest nation that we welcome to our town, and you have been very much part of that and I thank you for all you do.”

Cllr Rust added:

“In West Norfolk almost 200 people generously opened their homes to almost 400 guests, 134 were children. They welcomed Ukrainians into their homes and lives, supporting them in their time of need, provided shelter and safety but also compassion and friendship. The video our Ukrainian families recorded that thanked our hosts was very moving, we saw the amazing impact our hosts have made on their lives.

“As a result of this incredible generosity, a new community has been formed in the King’s Lynn. The Ukrainian community has become a big part of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk. The starting point was the forming a Welcome Centre in 2022.  Now the Welcome Centre is serving many more people in need.”

West Norfolk host families were personally thanked by their Ukrainian guests via a specially made video for their compassion, the long-lasting friendships that have been made, and their support in continuing to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

King’s Lynn will host its third annual Ukraine Independence Day later this month to continue to show West Norfolk’s support for Ukraine.