Ukrainians in London raise money for their homeland’s army on Independence Day

Ukrainian Londoners combined Independence Day celebrations of their homeland with charity. Volunteers organized a range of events, showcasing folk crafts and patriotic souvenirs to assist the Ukrainian army, KyivPost informs.

Organized by United for Ukraine, a group of native Ukrainians, the event celebrated their homeland’s 23rd birthday “to foster a greater awareness of modern Ukraine and its culture through versatile integrative projects,” according to the organization’s website. They were joined by the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church and the Ukrainian embassy, raising over 3,000 pounds for the army’s needs, including injured servicemen, and internally displaced families who fled war-torn areas.

The group formed in January 2014, and soon launched the World Pray for Ukraine project of support. After enjoying a Ukrainian-themed lunch, attendees took part in a charity yarmarok (fair). On offer were souvenirs, traditional crafts, handmade wooden chopping boards, plates made in the Petrikivsky style, patriotic T-shirts and caps.

Guests were also treated to Korovai, ceremonious bread served at weddings that was shipped from Ukraine. Symbolically, the day started at the Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Church with a midday mass attended by nearly 1,000 people.

“It was incredible to see how many Ukrainians came to pray for unity and peace in our country and how many international people came to support us in our fight for freedom and right to be an independent young European country,” the organizers stated in a news release.

The cathedral’s Great Hall also showcased a wealth of Ukrainian culture: paintings of most talented native artists living in the UK, traditional Ukrainian hand-embroidered towels and traditional ornamental folk art crafts from different Ukrainian regions.

The post-event news release describing the charity fair’s success stated: “Just imagine how many families this will help, how many lives it will save. This is what creates a truly united, strong country – when people start helping each other without personal benefit for them, but rather from the bottom of their heart.”