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Ukrainian Refugee Children Visit Nova Cinema
4th October 2022
Local Ukrainian refugee children experienced “fun and joy” as Nova Cinema welcomed them to a
special screening of the new Minions film.
In collaboration with Woking Borough Council, Nova Cinema was able to welcome children from the
local charity The Lighthouse which supports Ukrainian refugees in any way they can.
A group of over 50 children visited the 7-screen cinema in the centre of Woking on Sunday morning
to enjoy a screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru.
Cllr Ellen Nicolson, whose portfolio includes leisure and culture, said she is very pleased that we [the
council] can facilitate a visit to the cinema for the new residents and is glad that they enjoyed the
opportunity to view the film in Woking’s newly refurbished Nova cinema.
The children gathered in a cinema foyer after the film to treat staff members to a singsong complete
with the waving of Ukrainian flags.
Erik Jespersen, Co-founder and Director of The Lighthouse, said: “The Lighthouse charity is absolutely
delighted that Nova Cinema has made this treat possible for Ukrainian refugee children.
“Bringing a little fun and joy into their lives is a wonderful thing to do, considering the hardship and
trauma they’ve endured.
“The Lighthouse charity runs a weekly refugee hub that is supporting hundreds of Ukrainian refugees,
working alongside local partners to provide them with essential clothing, food, school equipment, art
therapy, employment advice, haircuts, community meals, and much more.”
JJ Almond, Venue Director of Nova Cinema, said: “We were overjoyed to be able to collaborate with
Woking Borough Council and The Lighthouse to welcome these children to Nova Cinema.
“The Lighthouse is a brilliant local charity that supports, encourages, and empowers those who find
themselves on the margins including these young Ukrainian refugees.
“We hoped they enjoyed their visit and screening of Minions 2: The Rise of the Gru and cannot wait
to welcome them back again soon!”
To find out about the Ukrainian hub visit www.lighthousewoking.org and to discover Nova head to
www.novacinema.co.uk
