A FILM of a fundraising concert that raised nearly £16,000 for charities supporting Ukraine and Ukrainians in Scotland has been released on YouTube in the hope it can drum up more cash.
The “celebration of art and civilisation” in the Highlands saw a line-up of internationally renowned musicians and poets paying tribute Ukraine, its people and their struggle for freedom against the Russian invasion.
The sell-out night at Eden Court Theatre in Inverness featured artists such as Duncan Chisholm, Julie Fowlis, Nataliya Gorban, Hamish Napier, Aidan O’Rourke, James Robertson and Toma Butko.
The audience, which included over 100 displaced Ukrainians, also heard stories told by Ukrainians and Highlanders about how the people of the Highlands are supporting Ukraine.
With Love To Ukraine raised £15,756 which is being donated to charities and groups providing humanitarian support to the country.
The YouTube recording is free to watch and viewers are urged to donate via QR codes and web links provided on screen at the end of the recording: Producer Matthew Zajac said: “With no sign of an end to Russia’s attempt to destroy Ukraine, it is vital that we continue to support the Ukrainian people and maintain public awareness of their plight and the extraordinary bravery Ukraine continues to demonstrate in its defence of our democracy and freedom.
“With Love To Ukraine is our way of doing this, ensuring the people of the Highlands of Scotland have an opportunity to express their solidarity.”
Some of the money raised is going to Black Isle and Highlands Refugee Network Support and KSD Highlands for Ukraine.
This small band of volunteers is not only sending aid directly to those civilians suffering the tortures and emotional turmoil of war in Ukraine but also supporting Ukrainians coming to the Highlands to try to find safety and sanctuary for their children.
Some are in family homes, many more trying to find some degree of normality within the four walls of a “foreign” hotel room – in a country they know supports them but where they still have no emotional security or certainty over their future.
Money is also being sent to AUGB Edinburgh, which was founded in 1946 to bring together the Ukrainian Community in Edinburgh and across Scotland following its displacement at the end of World War II. Over the intervening years, AUGB Edinburgh has kept alive and promoted the culture of Ukraine in Scotland.
After Russia’s illegal invasion in February, AUGB Edinburgh launched its #HelpUkraine appeal to support the collection and distribution of humanitarian aid to Ukraine. To date, AUGB Edinburgh has organised and contributed to 20 lorries of aid to most parts of Ukraine.
Closer to home, AUGB Edinburgh has been supporting the City of Edinburgh Council, Scottish Government and partner agencies to support displaced Ukrainians arriving in Scotland.
Weekly, AUGB Edinburgh has been delivering a programme of activities to ensure their social, welfare and informational needs are met and are supported to integrate within their local communities.
Money from the concert is also going to UK-MED, which has been working in Ukraine since March, in 13 locations around the country, providing immediate and continuity of care to thousands of people, delivering essential supplies and medications and providing essential training to healthcare staff, first responders, and civilians as well as constructing a field hospital with surgical and in-patient capacity.
“This event showcased some incredibly talented individuals while bringing communities together for such an important cause,” said UK-Med’s Hannah Billing.
“As the situation in Ukraine progresses into winter, help and support will be needed more than ever. We are immensely grateful to everyone who came out to make the night a success.”
To find the video, click here
