Hestacraft - United with Ukraine

The dove carrying an olive branch is the symbol of peace – so this was the perfect choice for an Orkney crafter standing with Ukraine.

Sarah Laughton, who runs a small business called Hestacraft making gifts from wire and wool, wanted to put her talents to practical use and raise funds for a Ukranian charity.

She said: “Like everyone else - I've been watching the news and feeling completely helpless, I wanted to do something, and raising money for Ukranian charities was something I felt I could do through Hestacraft.

“A few friends who have small businesses had made sunflower related products (sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine) and they were donating a percentage of their profits. I thought this was a great way to spread awareness and to raise some money. I made a little dove carrying an olive branch, a symbol of peace and decided to donate £5 from each sale to my chosen charity, still to be confirmed.”

Sarah shared the offer on social media on Sunday and the idea resonated with others. In less than 24 hours she had sold 207 raising a staggering £1,035 for the people of Ukraine.

“I couldnt believe it, I had initially thought if I sold 10 and made £50 I would be over the moon. I realised that I was going to have to take the listing down, I do most of my work in the evenings as I still have our youngest at home through the day, so I had to be realistic about how many I could actually make. I am just delighted with the total and so thankful to everyone who bought one or more. I'm going to have lots of late nights ahead making doves, but at least I'll be doing it knowing that my family are safe.

“We have all felt utterly helpless over the last few days, wishing we could do more and also feeling guilty for living our lives as normal. Raising awareness and making donations doesn't seem like much, but it's not nothing.”

Sarah added that special thanks also go to @timwootton for the use of his beautiful painting to illustrate the fundraiser.

Sarah has donated the money to the Red Cross Appeal – there are various ways to donate:

• The Orcadian/McAdie & Reeve campaign
• Red Cross Appeal
• Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
• Unicef Ukraine Appeal