HITCHIN: Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequent bombing campaign has prompted shock and anger at the suffering of innocent people, with many in our area coming forward to help.

The world has been moved by Ukraine's plight, with strong support for its courageous citizens, and it is no surprise that people in Hitchin have rallied round to boost the brave fight against totalitarianism and terror in any way they can.

None more so than the boss and punters at a Hitchin pub, who, at the time of writing have raised more than £500 for a Ukraine charity.

Kris, the manager of the Orange Tree pub on Stevenage Road, has been the catalyst for the heartwarming fundraising.

Kris, who hails from Lithuania, one of Ukraine's near neighbours in the Baltic Region, felt he had to do something to help as the tanks rolled into the sovereign democratic country last week.

Speaking to Hitchin Nub News on Wednesday morning humble Kris said: "As a Lithuanian I can understand how Ukraine feels because, Russia - and before that the Soviet Union - has always bullied smaller countries.

"On a personal level it has been stressful because my whole family back in Lithuania lives near the border with Belarus. So if Russia continues this madness elsewhere in the region it will affect my family too.

"Countries in the shadow of Russia, such as Lithuania and Poland for example, have always stuck together. So it was natural for me to try and do something to help."

Bucket on a Bar

Community-minded Kris decided to put a 'Bucket on the Bar' of the Orange Tree in the aftermath of last Thursday's invasion. After a matter of hours, generous punters had raised £100. Kind-hearted Kris then boosted the figure with his Christmas bonus of £350, with the running figure now past £500 in total thanks to further donations from big-hearted punters.

Modest Kris explained: "It's what touches you. We normally donate to good causes every year, whether it be for defibrillators or Alzheimer's Research, and for this time we wanted to donate to Ukraine.

"We didn't even advertise that we had the jar. People just donated.

"It was also important to spread awareness and discuss the situation in a welcoming environment."

Kris has also offered the use of the pub for any Ukrainians in our area to come and meet as a form of group support, along with likeminded people.

"Last week and one or two people from Ukraine came and shared very sad stories about their relatives back home," Kris explained solemnly. "One person told us about their family in Ukraine where the brother was in the army and his wife was a nurse and they sent their son to Poland in order for him to be safe. And of course, they won't know when they will see each other again."

Come Back Alive

Kris spoke to many from the Ukraine diaspora in researching the best charity to give the cash to. Come Back Alive was the one that kept cropping up in conversations he had with Ukrainians, with the charity that was established in 2014 after Russian annexed Crimea.

The organisation stands with the Ukrainian Armed Forces by funding purely defensive initiatives. The body has introduced courses for medical care workers, artillerymen, snipers, sappers, and defence analysts. After arriving home from the front line of defence, troops also receive support with sports rehabilitation and the development of veteran-run businesses.

Kris added: "Come Back Alive buys bullet proof vests and sends iPads, it doesn't buy arms. I would like to say thank you to everyone who has donated and the solidarity they have shown.

"We will keep trying to help because we stand with Ukraine."

See Hitchin Nub News soon for more from Kris and his clever cyberwork in helping to spread the truth about the invasion and war to ordinary Russians.

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