A man from Marlow who helped to found the town's Ukraine Collective has been recognised by BBC 3 for his admirable work in the local community.
Chris Horn said it was a “really good feeling” to be nominated by his fellow Marlow residents for BBC 3’s Make a Difference awards.
He has been shortlisted in the volunteer category which recognises individuals who dedicate much of their time towards helping others.
Chris was one of three founding members of the Marlow Ukraine Collective, which has helped to find homes for around 350 Ukrainians in the town since the outbreak of war in Eastern Europe last February.
Rather than view the recognition as a personal accolade, Chris said he is grateful for the renewed attention it will bring to the Ukraine Collective.
“It’s a very positive story all round. Everybody in Marlow has stepped up to the challenge in every aspect – providing jobs, schools, donations and homes.
“We don’t like to call them refugees, we call them friends or guests and their contribution to the town is wonderful. We love having them here and they enjoy what they're doing too."
Because Chris is a single man, he can’t host Ukrainian guests himself due to safeguarding principles, but this has only made him more determined to help displaced families in any way that he can.
“I’ve done lots of volunteering, helping people to find jobs and places to live and helping them to furnish their properties after becoming independent of their host family. It’s a really good feeling – you can see the difference made by the work you do.
“Recently, I’ve also rented my little flat in West Street out to a Ukrainian family for below asking price. There’s a lady and her daughter living there now and they seem to be loving it.”
The Marlow Ukraine Collective is a unique volunteer-based community effort and the above average number of Ukrainians settled in the town’s community is a testament to its ongoing success.
Chris views it not as an accomplishment, though, but as an essential service helping people who have struggled to adapt to the loss of their homes and life in a new and unfamiliar country.
“95% of the people we’re helping are mothers and children. A lot of the men stayed behind to fight so the mums are working full-time to manage costs and have to juggle childcare, engaging with landlords and more.
“We have the chance to provide support and welcome new people into our community. And things like this award just makes more people aware and encourages them to get involved.
“The issue is still there – the war in Ukraine is still raging. We want to keep stepping up and growing this mutually beneficial relationship with our guests. We all just love what we’re doing.”
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