Ukrainian children’s group helps raise over £24,000 through Kirklees and Calderdale charity lunch

Since its inception in 2016, the annual KACCL event has raised over £100,000 and, after a three-year break due to the pandemic, the charity function made a successful comeback with £24,560 being raised towards local community work.

Steve Crowther, chair of the KACCL Committee, said: “We were really excited to be able to bring back KACCL after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic and this year’s event was particularly joyous and heartfelt.

“Supporting charities that do tremendous work with the local community is a real motivator for us to hold this event each year. We’re thrilled to support wherever we can and give back into Calderdale and Kirklees area.”

The charities benefitting from the funds are Calderdale SmartMove, which supports homeless and vulnerable individuals and families across Calderdale, and the Lawrence Batley Theatre, an arts venue in the heart of Huddersfield.

The Ukrainian/British children’s group which performed at the event held at the Cedar Court Hotel, Ainley Top, have been provided with a free space to rehearse at the Lawrence Batley Theatre thanks to the theatre’s commitment to young people.

Becky Atkinson, CEO of the Lawrence Batley Theatre, said: “I would like to extend a massive thank you to KACCL for having us as one of the chosen beneficiaries this year.

“It was such a wonderful, joyful day and the funds raised will go a huge way to supporting our work with children and young people.”

The children’s group performed a dance to the song ‘Stefania’ by Ukrainian Eurovision Song Contest 2022 winners, Kalush Orchestra, as well as short songs and dances carrying the message: “Let there be spring, where we stand until the end. We will not be broken by war. Ukraine is alive forever, Ukraine is our land, Ukraine unites hearts.”

The event, which was compered by Pete Emmett, also included a heartfelt performance by the Orange Box Choir, which is part of the Square Chapel Arts Centre community outreach programme. The choir was set up from the funds raised by the second KACCL event in 2017 and has performed at KACCL ever since.

Paula Briggs, community engagement officer at Calderdale SmartMove, added: “The SmartMove team is so grateful to KACCL for hosting the event.

“It was absolutely amazing to be a part of, and we were quite blown away by the kindness and generosity of people. KACCL is an amazing group of people doing great things for our local charities.

“From a personal level too, it has been a pleasure to work with the team of organisers over the last few months. The funds we receive are vital at the moment to help us support our vulnerable individuals and families through some tough months ahead.

“We’re all very grateful to be involved this year, and we hope to see the amazing work supporting local charities to carry on for a long time.”

The event was made possible by the KACCL organising committee, comprised of businesses from across the region including Cedar Court Hotels, Chadwick Lawrence, Crowther Accountants, Eastwood & Partners, Faith PR, Hellomint, Stafflex, FC Halifax Town Football Club and Tracy Sheldon.