Glasgow is known for many things: a unique and unrivalled music scene, Sir Billy Connolly, rubbish weather, and the unabashed friendliness of its people.

This year has proved to be one of the most difficult yet as the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact families all over the country. And when Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, this resulted in millions of Ukrainians fleeing their homes and many taking refuge in Glasgow.

Over the last year, Glaswegians have demonstrated their kindness and dedication to helping their new neighbours in some incredible ways, from small gestures of support to monumental efforts.

The amazing story of a Glasgow baker’s fundraiser

While hearing the news of the conflict in his homeland, Shawlands baker Yuriy Kachak felt ‘helpless’ and wanted to use his business, Deanston Bakery, to make a difference.

On March 6, an otherwise typically quiet Sunday morning in the city’s Southside, hundreds of people queued around the block to buy baked goods, sweet treats and raffle tickets.

All proceeds were dedicated to those affected by the war, and Yuriy was blown away by the grand total of £25,000 raised that day.

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He said: “What a day. Thank you so much to every single person who came along to support the bake sale today and for all the messages of support.”

What would happen next was perhaps even more inspiring. As if a humble independent Glasgow bakery raising thousands in one day was not enough – two days later, Yuriy was amazed to find that a mystery donor had matched the amount raised and the total was taken to just over £72,000.

The Deanston Bakery’s plight shows not only how the kindness of one modest individual can make such an impact, but also how an entire community can come together to help people living thousands of miles away.

How a city entrepreneur is helping Ukrainians get jobs in Glasgow  

One Glasgow entrepreneur launched a project to help Ukrainian women take on a profession and start a career of their own.  

Knightswood resident Katerina Hayes started a social enterprise consisting of a 12-week programme to train and support refugees to establish themselves in the beauty industry.

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Back in October, Katerina told the Glasgow Times: “It has been such a frightening, emotional time for the women that arrive in this country from Ukraine, and they are at their most vulnerable, living in a different country, often separated from their families and feeling completely isolated.

“Our project will help these women take charge of their own destiny by learning the skills they need to become hair professionals, or even salon owners, in the future, and to build a secure and happy life for themselves and their families.”

How a Glasgow dog walker helped pets in Ukraine

Like many of us watching the news and seeing the terrible scenes of conflict, Pauline Taylor-McIlwraith was devastated to see people fleeing Ukraine with whatever they could carry.

She said: “I’m not for a minute belittling the huge humanitarian crisis this has brought to the people of Ukraine, but when people were fleeing their homes from the bombings, they literally grabbed loved ones and pets.

“There was simply not enough hands or space to take food for the animals too.”

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When the dog walker heard about a pet food collection drive organised by the Glasgow Vet School, she knew she wanted to help. She reached out to her clients for help and her van was soon bursting with packs of dog and cat food.

"I know what it’s like to worry over your pet,” she said. “My own dog is going through chemotherapy at the Vet School and is being very well cared for.

“I just hope this can help in some small way and perhaps give some of these people a little relief knowing their pets are okay and that people across the world are thinking of them.”

Duke of Wellington’s Ukrainian makeover

One of the simplest gestures was made back in March when crochet enthusiast Pauline McWhirter and her husband Garry wanted to use her skills to show Ukraine that Glasgow was behind them.

She knitted a cover for the iconic cone hat of the Duke of Wellington statue using blue and yellow wool, symbolising the Ukrainian flag, and Garry climbed a ladder to place the cover on the cone.

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She said: “Probably like all Glaswegians, everybody is feeling a wee bit helpless in what can we do and how do we do it.

“For me, the only thing that I had was a wee bit of power in crocheting in making a stand, so I crocheted the hat and my husband put it up and it’s basically giving out a message saying we stand with Ukraine.

“If we can send a message to one Ukrainian person residing in Glasgow then job done.”