Michael Fabricant is backing a Lichfield campaign – which hopes will go national – to produce Ukrainian flag ribbons showing solidarity with the suffering people of Ukraine and provide funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal (DEC).

Michael says “At Lichfield Cathedral, Margaret Turner has started a group of people who are assembling ribbons for people to wear as a display of solidarity with Ukraine.

“The little group is not able to make ribbons for everyone, although to date they are asking for a minimum of 50p donation and have raised well in excess of £1400.

“They would like this to become a Nationwide Campaign and they have my support.

“They are trying to persuade groups from Churches and all sorts of other institutions to form their own groups so that we can all show support particularly as many refugee families may come to the UK. Each group would be responsible for obtaining the materials, assembly and selling the ribbons, and sending the money to DEC.”

Margaret Turner says: “We feel that it would be a wonderful testament to our concern for the Ukrainian people during these terrible times if as many Churches and Organisations as possible did the same thing and set up their own groups. All proceeds will go to the DEC Appeal. All it takes is some blue and yellow ribbon, safety pins, and a little patience! Please try!

“The aim is to show our solidarity with people of the Ukraine and to reassure them of our prayers.

“To have as many people as possible all over the country to wear the ribbons as a sign of welcome to the refugees who have come to our country and to raise as much money as we can for the DEC special fund.

“If you can find a few people able to assemble the ribbons (just ribbons, small safety pins or staples all of which can be found quite cheaply if you shop around online)

“You will also need someone to order the ribbons and pins and someone to take care of the money collected, keep it safe, and send it to DEC.

“It doesn’t really matter what design is used for the ribbons, as long as they are royal blue and yellow, but I can supply instructions as to how to make the ones we are making if you need them. You can email me at turnerme4@gmail.com
It would also be nice to hear how you get on!”