Music for Life for Ukraine

Promote Ukraine joined the circuit of charitable events which usually hold Europe in its grip during Christmas time. For the first time, Ukraine was on the “good goals” list of Music for life, a charity campaign of radio Studio Brussel and the King Baudouin Foundation. This yearly returning event, stretching the month of December, is one of the most popular charity events in Belgium.  Each year experts and listeners of the radio channel choose the organizations that can conduct charity events under the aegis of Music for life. The last week before Christmas is considered to be the hottest.

On the 19th of December – St.Nikolay day according to the orthodox calendar – Promote Ukraine organized “Ukrainian party”. All the raised money will be donated to a charity organization in Ukraine, that will use the money to buy presents for children in military conflict region’s in the East of Ukraine.

Our initiative was supported not only by Ukrainians in Belgium but also by Belgians. With the evening Promote Ukraine wanted to attract the attention of “local people” to the events in Eastern Ukraine. And we managed! As guests of the evening, we were pleased to welcome Mark Demesmaeker, a Belgian MEP, Sophie De Vos, consul of the Belgian embassy in Kyiv, Mieke de Vreede, member of Belgian NGO Woman in Black, Galina Matyushina, a deputy of the City Council of Antwerp as well as Vakhtang Kipiani, a famous Ukrainian journalist!

All the guests had a chance to try real Ukrainian “borsh”, sandwiches with “salo”, “seledka pod shuboy” and of course – Ukrainian national drinks. They also enjoyed a fashion show with the demonstration of Ukrainian designers. Most of the pieces were earlier presented at the Lviv fashion week.  Designers donated the garments to us for charitable sales. Irina Hapko and Andrey Senichak amused guests with national and rock songs.

During the preparation of the event different national communities in Belgium supported us by placing the announcement of the event on their websites. We are sincerely grateful for this!

On 21 of December Promote Ukraine also participated in a charity Christmas market. It was organized by Barvinok, Plast, OUB, and Promote Ukraine as well as the Mission of Ukraine to NATO.

During the Christmas charity campaign Promote Ukraine gathered around 1000 euro for Dzherelo Rehabilitation Centre and Donbas SOS.

23 December 2014