Dance raises funds for Ukraine

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This article was published 28/03/2022 (1448 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Ukrainian pride and passion was loud and proud at the Victoria Inn as people packed the dance floor and halls of the Victoria Inn on Saturday night to raise funds for humanitarian efforts.

Close to 200 people came out to Dance for Ukraine, many sporting some traditional Ukrainian attire, to dance, dine and most importantly spend some money to help purchase much-needed goods for civilians and military currently fighting an invasion by Russian forces.

Among the highlights was a raffle for gifts and prizes donated by various groups and businesses in Brandon.

The Ukrainian Canadian “Tryzub” Association had a booth selling items ranging from pins, to hats, T-shirts and even cookies and bath bombs. A photo booth was set up for anyone wanting to get a Ukraine-themed portrait. And of course, dancing to live music by two bands, as well as North American and Ukrainian pop, rock and dance tunes provided by a DJ.

Toward the end of the evening, a late lunch of perogies and kielbasa was served up.

This was a benefit put on by friends and family who wanted to organize a major fundraiser and community event, said Heather Karrouze, one of the organizers.

“This is a way for our community to come together and show support,” she said.

The fundraising was done through tickets to attend, raffle tickets, buying merchandise and donations.

Karrouze said she and the other organizers were very grateful for the donations and all the help they received from all the donors and sponsors for helping them make this happen.

All the proceeds went to the Ukrainian Canadian “Tryzub” Association, which will send the money to volunteers on the ground in Poland and Ukraine to buy critical supplies.

Many who attended the event did so for personal reasons and while having fun, their thoughts and concerns were to family and friends trapped in the conflict.

Sisters Mariya Kabashko and Anna Kabashko said they have a grandmother, cousins and aunts in Ukraine.

Mariya said she was very grateful to see so many people come to a benefit like this to support Ukraine because any little thing helps the cause. Anna said it’s a stressful time knowing they have so many loved ones in a battle zone, but events like this helps them to stay strong.

“We are trying not to be sad. We are doing what we can to support our people out there,” she said. “All they can do is hide and all we can do is support them and do whatever we can out here because we have this freedom, so we will fight for them.”

A full tally of the funds raised will be available later this week.

Donations are still being accepted. Money is preferred, as it will help volunteers buy and deliver supplies closer to the frontlines.

Deposits are also being accepted at any Westoba Credit Union branch as long as the account number can be quoted. Automatic deposit E-transfers can also be sent to tryzubukraine@gmail.com.

To get a tax receipt, cheques can be given to St. Mary’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on Assiniboine Avenue, but be sure to specify Ukraine in the memo. Transfers and deposits can be transferred to the association’s “Tryzub” account with Westoba Credit Union.

» kmckinley@brandonsun.com, with files from The Brandon Sun

» Twitter: @karenleighmcki1