Richmond’s Ukrainian community has teamed up with a symphony orchestra to host a concert in aid of stricken people in their homeland.
The Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko – based on Francis Road – is working with Vancouver’s non-profit Symphony 21 to put on the benefit event on Friday, March 11.
All proceeds from the concert – being held at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church in Vancouver - will go to the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal.
The concert, entry to which will be by donation, will feature classical staples such as Beethoven alongside Ukrainian hymns.
The event will also be live-streamed for those tuning in from a distance.
Ivan Franko Richmond board member Eugene Lupynis told the Richmond News that the concert was the brainchild of Symphony 21.
“(This) is just one of the many that (our) society is being approached with to raise funds for the plight of Ukrainians being affected by the invasion…” said Lupynis.
“The Society is moved by the outpouring of support from our Richmond community and an event like this brings us all together in our support.”
There is also a rally being held in Richmond on Saturday at 1 p.m. at city hall to support the local Ukrainian community.
Russian forces invaded Ukraine a week ago
Last week, Russian armed forces, on the orders of the nation's leader Vladimir Putin, invaded neighbouring Ukraine, sparking seven days of intense shelling of Ukraine's major cities.
Almost a million people have fled Ukraine in terror as its armed forces and many of its men have stayed behind the fight.
Symphony 21’s Erica Binder said that the organization, like many people, are asking what they can do to help.
“We’re honoured to be working with…the Society…and we’re so grateful for the support of our musicians, audience, and community partners,” said Binder.
“You’ve enabled us to do something big for these people that need all the help they can get.”
The concert on Friday, March 11 starts at 8 p.m. and the doors open at 7:30 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Wesley United Church.
