THE festive spirit was alive and well in Glasgow last night as the Clutha bar hosted a Christmas party for Ukrainian women and children.
The partygoers were part of a group of 29 refugees who have been working with Code Division, a non-profit organisation based in the Clutha Trust building on West Campbell Street, to complete a course specifically designed to develop their confidence and employability skills.
As the programme comes to an end, Alan Crossan, the owner of the Clutha Bar and founder of the Clutha Trust Charity, decided that a night out for the women and their youngsters complete with food, dancing and a visit from Santa was the perfect way to celebrate their achievements.
Mary Kavanagh, administrator for the Clutha Trust, explained: “When we took over the building on West Campbell Street, our vision was to have a range of different charities within the building.
“We provide space for a judo charity, artists, an African orchestra and Code Division amongst others.
“Alan has always wanted to hold Christmas parties for children at the Clutha and this felt like the ideal opportunity, particularly given the situation that these women and children have found themselves in.
“It’s lovely to see everyone here enjoying themselves.
“We would love to have more nights like this in the future.”
After being treated to a feast of freshly made pizza and party food favourites, the children hit the dancefloor where they took part in some friendly competition to win prizes.
They were later joined by their mothers as the group were introduced to the Slosh, a staple of many a Glasgow Christmas party, which had the whole bar up and dancing.
A final touch of magic organised by the team at the Clutha arrived as Santa Claus himself came through the doors to hand out bags of presents.
Showing their gratitude to the Code Division team, the group of women presented their course leaders with a beautiful handmade cake to thank them for their weeks of support.
Speaking of when they first began working together Frank Duffy, the founder of Code Division, said: “About six weeks ago one of our learners was Ukrainian and asked if we could put something together for other Ukrainians who are over here.
“We spoke with our funder Skills Development Scotland and Alan who kindly gave us a space in the Clutha Trust building.
“The course was very much based on developing English skills as well as updating CVs to help them find jobs but also dealt with issues like trauma.
“You’ve got project managers here, web developers, accountants and more.
“These are people who up until February were employed in really high up professional positions and are now getting ready to interview for places like Scottish Power or JP Morgan.
“Alan knew the course was coming to an end so invited all 29 of them along as well as the kids.
“He’s trying to do his bit and it’s been a great night.”
For more information on the Clutha Trust click here and Code Division here.
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