The Ukraine Aid Appeal, sponsored by the Leeds Charity Lunch, is now its way to Ukraine.
Four vans with around 5,000 shoeboxes have left Leeds Irish Centre and are on their way to be donated to children and adults in Ukraine, thanks to local donations and volunteers.
Children from the local area have donated their own toys and written letters in both English and Ukraine in hopes of providing some emotional support to those in the country.
Organised by founder of Vulnerable Citizens Support, Haydn Jessop and fellow volunteer John Gibbons, the pair collaborated with the Leeds Irish Centre's Business Men and Women's Charity Lunch to find more vans to help transport the donations over into Europe.
John Gibbons and Haydn Jessop. / Image: Leeds Irish Centre
Volunteer John Gibbons said in a video from Leeds Irish Centre: "it's just been something that came out of the blue" and spoke of the situation in Ukraine. "We decided to do something about it we got our volunteers together and this is it", pointing to the vans ready to take over the donations.
It is expected that the vans will reach Ukraine early next week, with an anticipated journey time of between five and a half and six full days of travelling.
Before the volunteers left with the donations, Cannon Eugene Mcguilicuddy led a blessing, thanking "the hospitality of the Irish Centre and the hospitality of the great people of Leeds here and the general public".
Image: Leeds Irish Centre
Leeds United legend Rob Burrow MBE and father Geoff Burrow attended the event to 'wave off' the donations. Excited to be a part of this initiative, Geoff Burrow spoke at length on behalf of himself and his son about the cause:
"It's important to the world, what's happening and its initiatives like this that mean so much to me.
"To be going over to Ukraine and delivering these boxes, these shoe boxes, which is a brilliant initiative, shows the kindness of Leeds Irish Centre and Leeds Charity Lunch.
"The things that they do for people, they never stop- it's quite breathtaking how kind they are."
Father of the former-Leeds United player added, "In five and a half days, maybe six days they'll be over there and it wont be such a nice day like it is today so god bless" and tweeted a good luck message later that day.
We were privileged yesterday to be invited to the wonderful Leeds Irish Centre and wave off 4 vans full of love and items for the brave people of Ukraine. Leeds at its very best 💙safe journeys and God Bless Ukraine 🇺🇦 people x
The Shoebox Appeal is still continuing to collect donations to send to Ukraine. At present, any donations are encouraged but clothing, toiletries, toys, supportive letters from children and first aid will be particularly welcomed.
Donations should be dropped off at the Leeds Irish Centre and the organisation is also able to help provide more information about the cause to those that need it.
Feature Image- Leeds Irish Centre
News
England World Cup semi-final to be shown at Leeds’ Millennium Square as giant fanzone announced
Football's coming home to Millennium Square as England take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-final.
If you're still looking for a spot to cheer on the boys in the football this Wednesday then hang fire, because Leeds City Council have got us covered.
Following the Three Lions’ triumphant victory against Norway on Saturday evening, the council have announced that Millennium Square will host a World Cup 2026 fanzone at the heart of Leeds city centre.
Supporters will have the chance to cheer on star boy Jude Bellingham and the team with all the action shown live on a high-definition giant LED screen with concert style sound, all set within a bespoke outdoor arena.
Two large bars and street food concessions will be provided on site together with toilet and drinking water facilities.
Entry is strictly by advance ticket only and is a standing only event. Gates open at 6pm with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST with live DJ pre match entertainment.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for economy said “The whole country is behind England and it’s fantastic that fans will have the chance to come together and enjoy this incredible occasion in the open air at the heart of the city centre.
"The atmosphere on Millennium Square is always a one-of-a-kind and probably the closest you can get to being there. Leeds is a city that’s always had a massive passion for sport, and I know the fans will do England proud as we cheer them on in what will hopefully be another memorable win.”
Tickets are priced at £6 per person an go on sale at 10am on Monday 13 July via www.millsqleeds.com.
Plans to turn one of Leeds’ most historic buildings into padel courts approved
Clementine Hall
One of Leeds’ most iconic buildings is set to be brought back to life.
Plans for a brand-new padel and leisure destination at The Roundhouse on Wellington Road have been approved by Leeds City Council’s West Plans Panel.
Consent has been granted for Ollo Padel to transform the Grade II* listed Roundhouse into a state-of-the-art sport, fitness, food, drink and community venue subject to conditions and completion of a Section 106 agreement.
Built in 1847 for the Leeds and Thirsk Railway Company, The Roundhouse was once home to the steam locomotives that powered industrial Victorian Leeds. In recent years, the building has stood largely unused.
Image: Supplied
The approved plans will restore and protect the landmark building and give the site a new, long-term future as one of the city’s most distinctive leisure destinations.
The three-acre site, located on the edge of Leeds city centre, will include nine outdoor doubles padel courts under a 10-metre canopy, plus a dedicated indoor coaching court within The Roundhouse itself.
At the heart of the site will be the Ollo Clubhouse; built around an all-day kitchen and bar, it will combine a comfortable lounge and co-working space, meeting rooms and live sport and events spaces.
The kitchen and bar will be run in partnership with Southbank Provisions, the independent Leeds hospitality team behind Headrow House, Belgrave Music Hall and Galleria whilst the gym will be operated by fitness and performance specialists Northbound, who will bring strength and conditioning practice, Hyrox training and pilates classes to The Roundhouse.
Image: Supplied
Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the venue aiming to open in early 2027.
Luke Gidney, Founder & CEO Ollo Padel: "This is a huge day for Leeds, for The Roundhouse and for Ollo. The Roundhouse has been part of the city’s story for nearly 180 years. It’s an incredible building but it needs people, energy and purpose again. Our plan is to bring it back to life as a place where people can play, eat, work, meet friends and feel part of something.
"Padel is growing so quickly because it’s fun, social and easy to pick up. But for us, this is about more than just the courts. We want Ollo to become a proper community destination for Leeds, somewhere welcoming, joyful and full of life.
"We’re incredibly grateful to Leeds City Council’s planning team, our case officer, the wider council team and everyone who has supported the project to this point. This has been a complex project but the sport and engagement throughout has been brilliant. Now the real work starts and we cannot wait to open the doors for you.”
Sophie Smith -
15th April 2022 
