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Latvian war losses honoured as knitting appeal passes milestone

Latvian war losses honoured as knitting appeal passes milestone

Monday 13 November 2023

Latvian war losses honoured as knitting appeal passes milestone

Monday 13 November 2023


While the British Isles were marking Armistice Day and Remembrance Sunday, the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Latvia in Guernsey was at an event in her home country reflecting on the loss of lives suffered there during previous wars.

Lilita Kruze travelled to Latvia last week ahead of Lāčplēša Day which is on 11 November.

Ms Kruze wrote to Express explaining what happened and how the generosity of people in Guernsey is continuing to help keep babies in war-torn Ukraine warm.

"We light candles in memory of those who gave their lives so that we can live in democratic freedom today. The red and white flag of the Republic of Latvia flies high and proud.

"As the world, once again, swings between good and evil, between peace and war and between light and darkness, I have received absolutely heartening news from Guernsey. Today, on such an important day of Armistice, the Newborn Baby Hats Appeal has received its 25,000th donation!"

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Pictured: Ms Kruze launched the Newborn Baby Hats Appeal last year after Russia invaded Ukraine. Read more HERE.

Since March 2022, tens of thousands of knitted hats have been sent to Ukraine for the babies being born amid the war.

Ms Kruze's initial idea was to send 20 - but she and others kept knitting and now 25,000 have been sent. 

Now, she has said that she is grateful to all those who have kept on knitting, which was particularly poignant for her as she commemorated Lāčplēša Day.

"This magnificent achievement helps to give confidence in the ultimate victory of good over evil, peace over war and light over darkness!

"The 25,000th donation is a clear proof of the tidal wave of loving kindness of the people of Guernsey. On behalf of the entire Newborn Baby Hats Appeal organising team, I express my deepest gratitude to every donor and supporter.

"With all of the terrible atrocities in this world, if we can bring a smile to the face of a parent or child receiving the donations sent from Guernsey, we together have made a difference. A big THANK YOU to all involved.

"I also express the greatest gratitude to DHL, who tirelessly deliver all donations to Ukraine and Latvia in so timely a manner."

Ms Kruze added a final rallying call to those commemorating past losses and praying for peace. 

"Together we can do so much!", she wrote.

READ MORE...

Baby hats for Ukraine 

Newborn Baby Hats Appeal, Gratitude

"Phenomenal" response to knitting appeal 

13,000 items knitted for Ukraine 

Ukraine charity thanks Guernsey

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