Ukrainian Olena Kulaieva named as manager of new Each charity shop

Ukrainian Olena Kulaieva is the manager of the new East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (Each) charity shop in Fitzroy Street, Cambridge.

Olena arrived in England with her husband, Maksym, and 11-year-old daughter, Natasha, in 2022 and has been working for Each since April.

She joined as a relief and support manager but, having made an impact in the role, has now been given the opportunity to run her own shop. It opened on 12 September.

Olena’s elderly parents still live in Kreminna, in the Luhansk region, which has been occupied by Russia since spring 2022.

Olena said: “The support has been incredible and I feel motivated to work hard. It’s my mission to make this shop a success.”

She is keen to hear from anyone interested in joining her volunteer team.

Meanwhile, Lisa Ayton and her 13-year-old Abbie cut the ribbon at the shop on 12 September to officially open it.

Abbie has a rare gene mutation which has created a number of other health complications, including epilepsy and hypertonia.

She been receiving care since she was a year old and her family are regulars at Each’s Milton hospice.

Speaking after the ribbon-cutting, Lisa said: “We were pleased and excited to be asked. My first reaction was ‘Oh wow’.

“Each is such an important charity and one that’s made such a difference to our family. It’s been an absolute saviour.”

She added: “It was a real honour to be invited along today and I know Abbie enjoyed it. She’s non-verbal but has her own way of communicating, including lots of sounds, and her personality shines through.

“She enjoys seeing people and loves being the centre of attention!”