Ukrainian hearts

30/03/2026

Building on the success of their winter fundraiser, East Sussex volunteer groups Ukrainian hearts from Lewes and Proud To Be Ukrainian from Uckfield recently hosted a Ukrainian Easter Fair, raising £1,700 for Leleka Foundation.

This was the second collaborative event by the two groups since last December, continuing their shared mission to support Leleka’s work.

Cultural events hosted by Ukrainian Hearts and Proud To Be Ukrainian have become a hallmark of the region, drawing guests from across East Sussex, Kent, and beyond. This year’s Easter Fair continued the tradition of turning a cultural celebration into real-world aid, with all proceeds dedicated to helping equip Ukrainian medics with lifesaving tools.

The fair brought a touch of Ukrainian spring to East Sussex and offered guests a warm introduction to Velykden—Ukrainian Easter traditions. Visitors enjoyed hands-on workshops creating pysanky (wax-resist dyed eggs), decorating traditional p***a (sweet Easter bread), making candles, and taking part in creative activities for children. With traditional costumes, delicious food, folk songs, and children’s smiles, it was a beautiful celebration of culture and community.

“Every p***a shared, every pysanka created, and every song sung helps keep Ukraine visible,” said Tetiana Subbotina from Proud To Be Ukrainian.

“Our community’s generosity proves that even simple actions, when joined together, create a powerful force for good,” added Liudmyla Kondratiuk from Ukrainian Hearts.

Leleka`s team is grateful to everyone who attended, donated, and helped turn this celebration into support for Ukrainian medics.

20/03/2026

🐣Ukrainian Easter Fair – Lewes 🇺🇦

What a wonderful day we spent together 🧡

On 7 March, our community gathered at Southover Church to celebrate Ukrainian Easter traditions in an atmosphere of music, creativity and warmth

The children sang traditional songs, welcoming spring 🌿
Guests painted eggs, made beeswax candles, decorated Easter cakes and simply enjoyed each other’s company

There was also an incredible selection of Ukrainian dishes: varenyky, borscht, salads, sweet pastries… and, of course, authentic medovik 🍰 We were delighted to hear so many kind words about every dish

Together, we raised £1,700 to support humanitarian aid for Ukraine ❤️
The funds are planned to be used for purchasing tactical medical supplies.

Thank you to everyone who came, supported us and shared this day with us.
Together, we don’t just organise events; we create something meaningful and give hope 💙💛
The event took place thanks to the support of SCDA Employability SCDA Positive Activities

— Ukrainian hearts
In collaboration with Proud To Be Ukrainian

17/03/2026

14/03/2026

14 March 🎉🎉🎊🎊🎈🎈🎁🎁🎁
Today is a special day for us!

Today we celebrate the birthday of our wonderful friend, inspirer, organiser, and one of the leaders of Ukrainian Hearts — Liudmyla Kondratiuk.🌸

Liudmyla is a person with a truly beautiful and kind heart. She always knows how to support, listen, find the right words, and help — sometimes even putting others before her own interests.

Her organisational and communication skills, her talent for diplomacy, and her ability to see situations deeply are truly admirable. Thanks to people like Liudmyla, our team becomes stronger, warmer, and more united.

Dear Liudochka, happy birthday!🎁🎁🎊🎊

May life bring you many joyful moments, inspiration, and happiness. May every wish you make come true and every goal you set be achieved.

You are someone who makes the world around you kinder — and you truly deserve the very best.

With gratitude and love,
your Ukrainian Hearts team 💙💛

11/03/2026

Today we are sharing the Ukrainian Hearts report — a snapshot of what our community has achieved together:
events, culture, fundraising and support for children in Ukraine.

Thank you to every volunteer, donor and friend who makes this possible. 💙💛

08/03/2026

Sometimes the strongest communities are created by women who want to make a difference.

When the war forced us to leave our homes, we carried with us something that cannot be taken away — our values, our culture, and our belief that kindness can change lives.

Ukrainian Hearts was born thanks to Ukrainian women who found each other here in Lewes and became not just a team, but true friends.

Людмила Кондратюк, Svetlana Yali Sinkevich Oksana Olha Dubova, together with many wonderful volunteers, organise concerts, charity fairs and cultural events that bring people together and support Ukraine.

But above all, Ukrainian Hearts is about friendship, trust, and the quiet strength of women who stand for what truly matters.

💛 When women come together for good, a force is created that can change the world.

05/03/2026

🍞 P***A DECORATING — A TASTE OF UKRAINIAN EASTER

Warning: this workshop may make you hungry and creative at the same time… we take no responsibility. 😄

P***a is the traditional Ukrainian Easter bread — and it’s so much more than just a loaf.
It’s a symbol of life, renewal, and the joy of spring after a long winter. ☀️

Each P***a is a little edible work of art, decorated with beautiful dough ornaments — flowers, braids, crosses and birds. Traditionally, families would spend hours creating these decorations before Easter Sunday, filling the kitchen with warmth and the most wonderful smell. 🌸

At our Ukrainian Hearts Easter Fair, you’ll have the chance to decorate your own P***a and discover the meaning behind these traditional symbols.

It’s joyful, creative, and perfect for all ages.
And children especially LOVE it (they take the decorating very seriously 😄).

Come and make something delicious with us — and take home a little piece of Ukrainian Easter tradition.

💛 Suggested donation: £5 (all proceeds support Ukraine)

🗓 7 March | 1:00–4:00 pm
📍 Southover Church, Lewes BN7 1JA
🎟 FREE ENTRY

Bring friends, bring family — everyone is welcome. 💛💙

04/03/2026

More than a candle — a Ukrainian Easter tradition you can take home

There’s something almost meditative about making a candle by hand. 🌿

In Ukrainian tradition, beeswax candles hold a special meaning. At Easter, they are carried to church, held during the night service, and then brought home to bless the household for the year ahead.

At our Easter Fair, you will have the chance to roll your own natural beeswax candle and take it home with you.
The warm honey scent of real beeswax makes the experience even more special. 🍯

Simple, calming and creative — a lovely activity for adults and children alike, and a beautiful handmade gift. 🎁

💛 Suggested donation for the masterclass: £5
All proceeds support humanitarian aid for Ukraine.

🗓 7 March | 1:00–4:00 pm
📍 Southover Church, Lewes BN7 1JA
🎟 Free entry

Come and enjoy the atmosphere of our Ukrainian Easter Fair with traditions, crafts and community spirit. 🇺🇦