More than 50 Ukrainian orphans who were given sanctuary in Callander have now moved on after three weeks at the base.
Last month, we told how an Edinburgh-based charity was attempting to bring the 52 children – as well as nine “house mothers” – to safety in Scotland as the Russian invasion of the country ensued.
Following a delay over paperwork, the children arrived in Scotland and were housed at the safe haven, near Loch Venachar.
Now, three weeks after they arrived the children have been moved to a more permanent accommodation in the capital.
The youngsters were brought to Scotland by the charity Dnipro Kids.
Accommodation was organised by Dnipro Kids board member, Robert Brown, from Stirling, who worked alongside Stirling Council to welcome the children, aged between four and 17.
During their stay, the children and the adults were supported with their health and wellbeing and took part in a range of activities including swimming, cycling, bowling, soft play, crafts and fishing.
Along with visiting local beauty spots, the group also enjoyed a boat trip on Loch Katrine and visits to Blair Drummond Safari Park and Stirling Castle.
Traditional Scottish entertainment was provided by Doune Pipe Band and local folk musicians who delivered country dancing lessons.
Steven Carr, chairman of Dnipro Kids, said: “We’re very grateful to Stirling Council for the hard work and dedication they’ve shown to the group these past few weeks. We couldn’t have asked for more.
“We’d also like to pay tribute to the local community for the many kindnesses shown, and for the warmth of the welcome given.”
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Stirling Council Chief Executive Carol Beattie, who addressed the group at a farewell event, said: “Given the terrible trauma experienced by the children and adults in fleeing Ukraine, we hope the last three weeks in Callander have been an opportunity for them to have some space, sanctuary and respite.
“We were delighted to welcome the group and there was an incredible collective effort to quickly put the arrangements in place to ensure they had everything they needed. I would also like to pay a heartfelt tribute our dedicated staff and our public sector partners who rose to the challenge magnificently to deliver such high-quality support and care to the children and young people.
“I also need like to thank the people of Callander and our other communities for their warm welcome to the children and adults and the incredible offers of support. The generosity and kindness from residents, organisations and businesses has really been overwhelming and a reminder of the fantastic community spirit across Stirling.
“Finally, on behalf of everyone at Stirling Council, I would like to wish the Ukrainian children and adults peace, love and happiness as they move on to Edinburgh.
“Stirling will continue to support people displaced by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.”
Dnipro Kids was launched in September 2005 when Hibernian travelled to Dnipropetrovsk for a UEFA Cup tie. Hibs supporters organised a charitable collection for some local orphans.
Whilst being accommodated in Callander, staff at a bespoke children’s shoe shop in Dunblane welcomed more than 50 Ukrainian orphans fleeing the Russian by offering each of them a free pair of fitted footwear.
Upon hearing of their arrival, staff at the Ruby Ruby Shoes store, located in Stirling Road, reached out with the generous offer.
Staff member Elaine Robertson said: “It has been tough for all of us watching the news about the atrocities in Ukraine and it is difficult to know what we can do or how we could in any way help.
“We heard on the media about the Ukrainian orphans coming to stay near Callander and Karen Fletcher, the owner of Ruby Ruby Shoes, decided she wanted to make a little difference for them by donating a completely free pair of fitted children’s shoes to each one of them and all of the group mothers.
“Contact was made with Steven Carr, head of the Dnipro Kids charity, who was delighted to hear of our generous donation and we arranged our first visit on April 3 to measure all 62 pairs of feet.
“We then had a frantic week trying to track down all pairs of shoes, as Karen wanted to make it a special experience for them by giving them a choice.”
Elaine added: “Mission accomplished, we headed back out on Friday, April 8, with a team of six of us, including Karen’s 17-year-old son Duncan.
“The language barrier proved to be very challenging but there were interpreters on hand to help us at all times. It was a total delight to see the children’s eyes light up when we opened the boxes and very emotional getting a lot of high fives and cuddles of appreciation from them, with their new shoes safely fitted.
“We would like to say a big thank you to Wendy and Alison from Stirling Council who helped us navigate through this and from all the Ruby Ruby team we wish every child safe travels onwards to their next adventures in Edinburgh.
“This was a huge ‘operation’ for Ruby Ruby Shoes as we are a small independent children’s shoe shop, but being members of The Society of Shoe Fitters, the health of children’s feet is close to our heart and to be given the opportunity to make a difference to these children meant the world to us.”
