Fundraiser Puts Focus on Human Security in Ukraine
By Bob Hall
Assistance for the catastrophic invasion of Ukraine comes in many forms and on June 4 the community is invited to come together for an evening that features music, dialogue, dessert and hope for peace.
The Selkirk College Mir Centre for Peace and the Union of Spiritual Communities of Christ Doukhobors (USCC) are hosting a fundraiser for unarmed civilian protection (UCP) on Saturday, June 4 at 7 p.m. The event will take place at the Brilliant Cultural Centre in Castlegar. The evening will feature a beautiful performance of music by Allison Girvan and friends. The suggested donation is $20 and admission includes dessert, coffee and tea.
“This event is unique,” says Randy Janzen, former chair of the Mir Centre and local expert on UCP. “Although there have been many fundraisers for much-needed humanitarian aid, this one focuses on human security. We are raising funds to support Ukrainian civilians to be safer through unarmed civilian protection.”
Operazione Columba, the Italian organization that the event will support, is working with Ukrainian civilian groups to accompany internally displaced persons as they flee or as they remain in volatile areas. One of the organization’s UCP personnel will join all who attend live via the internet on the evening of the fundraiser.
“There has been an outpouring of support for Ukraine and many excellent humanitarian-aid organizations that are deserving of that support,” says Jennie Barron, the current Mir chair. “The organization we are supporting is one that is lesser known, but it will warm the hearts of everyone to learn about the good work they are doing to promote nonviolence and protecting civilians.”
JJ Verigin, the executive director of the USCC, states that regardless of the size of our rural communities, we must participate in addressing the needs caused by war.
“This war has touched all of us deeply and I think people here have a desire to contribute to the alleviation of the suffering taking place,” he says.
Please bring your friends and family to enjoy a musical night out for a good cause. For more information visit selkirk.ca/fundraiser-ukraine.
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