A Highland Weekend of Action for Ukraine is to take place from April 1-3 in response to the Russian invasion as those as young as seven get involved alongside the region's biggest charity
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The Highland response to the invasion of Ukraine continues to gather steam with a major drive to raise money for those fleeing the war.
A call has been issued for the public and private sector to work together to do as much as is possible after Highland Council voted to stage a Highland Weekend of Action for Ukraine from April 1-3.
That weekend is when one seven-year-old from Nairn is due to complete the final stage of a 40-mile trek.
Magnus Henderson is concerned about the youngest victims of the conflict, saying: “I wanted to help the children who were suffering while their country was getting bombed.”
So he hit upon the idea of a charity walk and so far he has raised most of his £1000 target with all the money to go to Save the Children Ukraine as he “really wanted to help children like me to have food and clothes and toys”.
His efforts were applauded by Judy Murray, mother of tennis star Andy, who will donate the remainder of his 2022 season’s prize money to help Ukrainian children.
High Life Highland (HLH) also backed the appeal with the charity set to donate all its takings from all its locations including cafés, leisure centres, museums during that April weekend – expected to be around £10,000 – so customers know they will be helping the people of Ukraine.
Chairman Ian Ross said: “Despite the very sad circumstances in which I do this, I am pleased to announce that all HLH sites will participate in the Highland Weekend of Action for Ukraine and will donate all takings from across our sites on 2nd and 3rd April to the Disaster Emergency Committee appeal for Ukraine, likely to be around £10,000.
“We will also be inviting customers to make cash donations during their visits over the weekend to further add to HLH’s contribution.”
HLH chief executive Steve Walsh said: “It is truly heartbreaking to watch the images from Ukraine as we literally watch a war happening live on our TVs.
“I know only too well what devastation they will be experiencing as they try to survive the situation.
“Having been inspired by others, I hope that many of our business partners and colleagues across the Highlands will be inspired and join HLH as we turn the Highlands blue and yellow as part of Highland Weekend of Action for Ukraine.”
To donate to Magnus' fundraising you can click here
