London Ukrainian groups are stepping up their fundraising efforts with a new benefit concert to support humanitarian work here and abroad.
The event comes as Russian forces have intensified their attacks against Ukraine, especially in the southeastern parts of the country, during the eighth week of the invasion.
“It’s still devastating,” said Christine Dawidenko, a member of the London Ukrainian Center helping organize the concert. “We’re all on edge anticipating, hopefully, a close to the war, but it’s such an uncertain time.
“We wake up not knowing whether our families have made it out safely, whether any attacks have happened. . . so there’s a lot of stress that comes with that, and all we can do here is ensure we’re supporting the organizations that are helping these folks overseas,” she said.
The humanitarian cost of the invasion, which has been condemned by the majority of the international community, has been high.
Nearly five million people, mainly women and children, have fled Ukraine since the start of the Russian invasion on Feb. 24, according to the United Nations’ latest figures.
Millions more are believed to have been internally displaced while thousands, including civilians, have died.
Since the start of the war, however, London also has responded to the pleas from the Ukrainian community in the city, Dawidenko said.
By early April, nearly $200,000 from London already had been donated to the relief efforts, with the money being distributed among several agencies working in Ukraine.
More than 4,000 boxes of essential items also have been sent from London to the eastern European country, including a recent shipment of a large “sea cannister” container filled with things such as medicine and baby formula.
“It was filled to the brim,” Dawidenko said of the shipping container.
“We’ve been able to directly work with these grassroots organizations and kind of avoid that middle person and ship them the items that they were in dire need of.”
Money raised by the concert will continue to help support those efforts, Dawidenko said.
The event will include performances by local artists and singers of Ukrainian descent. Traditional food and drinks will be served, and prizes donated by London businesses and organizations will be auctioned.
The support for the event already has been significant, Dawidenko said.
“It’s been absolutely overwhelming,” she said. “As needs come to light, we reach out and call out for help and every time we do, we certainly get the response we want and everyone’s always willing to step up and help out.”
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Benefit concert for Ukraine
WHEN: Saturday, April 30
WHERE: London Ukrainian Center – 247 Adelaide St. S. Doors open at 1 pm
ADMISSION: Free admission for children younger than 12, $15 for students and $25 for adults.
tickets: Available on Eventbrite. Limited tickets at the door.