Lunch Meeting

After Russia's brutal invasion of Ukraine in 2022, specifically on 9 March, the Newborn Baby Hats Appeal (NBHA) was set up in Guernsey. The islanders were invited to knit hats for Ukrainian newborn babies. Soon after, the public was donating all types of new knitted clothing - cardigans, mittens, bootees, toys, blankets. 
The public response was then and still is very high. On 28 February 2026 Appeal received the 56,000th donation. 

Since 2022, humanitarian aid has been provided in Ukraine to Zhytomyr Regional Perinatal Center, Kyiv Regional Perinatal Center, 280 Days Charitable Fund, Kyiv Maternity Hospital Nr 1, Kyiv Maternity Hospital Nr2 and, in Latvia, to Charitable organizations “Labdarības Lapa” and “Tavi Draugi”, Rīga Maternity Hospital and Social Rehabilitation Centre “Mežciems”.

The NBHA operates thanks to volunteers Ali Vohmann, Barbara Roussel, Carolyn Stoaling, Heather Reed, Kay Rawlins - Duquemin, Lilita Krūze, Sally Rowe and Sarah Jane Allen who tirelessly do their work behind the scenes.

Lilita Krūze

1 March 2026

Talk Report

At our recent meeting, the Rotary Club of Guernsey welcomed Kay Rawlins - Duquemin the Communication Officer from the NBHA.

Kay give an emotional presentation of their work helping to supply knitted items mainly clothing like bonnets, jackets, booties and mitts, plus blankets to 4 maternity hospitals and a Humanitarian aid organisation for families with children and lonely pensioners in Ukraine, plus a maternity hospital, care home and two community support projects in Latvia.

We heard many Ukrainians have fled to Latvia hence the support needed there too. We also heard how unbelievably that maternity hospitals in the Ukraine were being specifically targeted in this war and how on a recent attack thankfully with warning the staff, mothers and children were able to safely take shelter in the basement.

With over 56,000 items made and dispatched now since their start in 2022 we all agreed what a fabulous effort all their helpers had made. Seeing the images of the babies, parents and children who have received these items was particularity rewarding too

I am delighted to report that this week the Rotary Club of Guernsey have purchased £250.00 of synthetic wool in a variety of variegated colours, which Creasey’s have added another 10% to and this will be handed over by our President Carla to Kay Rawlins - Duquemin and some of the members of the NBHA team at Creaseys on Saturday the 11th April.

Chris Roberts

2 April 2026 

Photos of the talk by Simon Wood

To view all the slides Kay used during the talk please click HERE.