Impact Report - MK Community Foundation - Report - Page 5
“Magni昀椀cent!
Children learned
about St. Nicholas,
Ukrainian Christmas
traditions, watched
a very interesting
play, received
cool gifts.”
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Bringing Joy to
Ukrainian Refugees with
the Ukraine Appeal
The Ukraine Appeal supports
Ukrainian refugees and their
families as they rebuild their
lives in Milton Keynes. Through
essential aid, cultural events,
and community initiatives, it
fosters integration, celebrates
Ukrainian heritage, and
strengthens bonds between
Ukrainian families and their
British sponsors.
To bring the magic of Christmas
to refugee children, the Ukraine
Appeal set out to host a
St Mykolai’s Day celebration,
a cherished Orthodox tradition.
7 | MK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
With the goal of creating a joyful, inclusive event
for 500 attendees, the organisation planned a
Santa’s visit with an authentic sleigh, festive
out昀椀ts, cultural performances, and a warm,
welcoming space where families could come
together. Crucially, the event was free for
vulnerable and disadvantaged families,
ensuring every refugee child could experience
the wonder of Christmas.
Thanks to funding from General Fund,
MK Christian Centre Fund, Volkswagen Group
UK Ltd Fund, Routeco Fund, and 9Eons Fund
through MK Community Foundation, this vision
became reality. The event provided a magical, safe
space for children and families to celebrate despite
the trauma they’ve endured. It strengthened
relationships between Ukrainian and British
communities, fostering wellbeing, connection,
and a sense of belonging. One of the most
touching moments was seeing the sheer joy on
the children’s faces as Santa arrived – a reminder
of the power of kindness and community.
Kristina, mum of 4-year-old Estel
Funders:
General Fund
MK Christian Centre Fund
Heaton Tarrant Fund
Volkswagen Group UK Ltd Fund
Refugee Settlement Fund
Routeco Fund
9Eons Fund
Vital Signs Area:
Stronger Communities
500
Ukrainians
brought together
at Christmas
300
children met
Santa
“UnityMK saved my
life. They took me
o昀昀 the streets and
gave me a bed in
their night shelter
more than once.
They continue to
support me through
my challenges.”
06
Providing a Safe Place
and Fresh Start
with UnityMK
UnityMK is dedicated to ending
homelessness in Milton Keynes.
Founded initially as Winter Night
Shelter MK in 2010, it has grown
into a vital service providing
emergency accommodation,
long-term housing support, and
access to welfare, employment,
and mental health resources.
At Unity Park Station, it welcomes
250 people each week, o昀昀ering
hot meals, showers, laundry
facilities, and a safe space to
rebuild their lives. More than
just shelter, UnityMK empowers
individuals and families to
secure stable housing and
brighter futures.
With the rising cost of living, demand for
UnityMK’s services has surged. Funding from
MK Drug and Alcohol Support Service Fund
and MK Community Foundation’s Poverty and
Disadvantage Fund helped pay for essential
supplies, expand hot meal provisions, and
maintain its emergency night shelter and
mental health services. This support ensured
that more individuals and families received food,
warmth, and emotional care during their most
vulnerable moments.
Support Recipient
Funders:
MK Drug and Alcohol
Support Service Fund
Poverty and Disadvantage Fund
1,000
people
supported
this year
Thanks to this funding, UnityMK remains a
lifeline, providing both practical assistance and
hope. Looking ahead, it aims to expand its reach,
ensuring no one in Milton Keynes has to face
homelessness alone.
Vital Signs Area:
Housing
MK COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | 8
