On 10.12.2023, volunteers of our community held a Ukrainian Christmas event, where we expressed our gratitude to everyone who helps Ukraine and Ukrainians during this difficult time, to bring at least a little joy to children and adults, and to remind that the war in Ukraine is not over!
About 500 people attended the event: sponsors, volunteers, local residents who help and support Ukraine, Ukrainians who were forced to move due to the war as well as those living in Northern Ireland for a long time. It was a warm meeting among true friends of Ukraine!
Before and after the concert, all guests had the opportunity to look at real Ukrainian souvenirs. A master class for children was also held. Our craftswomen prepared some items for sale, our guests had the opportunity to taste authentic Ukrainian cuisine.
As part of the “Christmas Thanksgiving” campaign, we held a raffle, the purpose of which was to raise funds for humanitarian and medical aid.
Thanks to your help, we raised £2,385 on the day.
The costs of the event amounted to £1,409.
We would like to thank Belfast City Council for supporting our community organization and for providing the premises.
Thank you Girdwood Community Hub for your hospitality and for hosting us.
Special thanks to Lord Lieutenant Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ DDL (Hon QUB) – the personal representative of HM The King and his family in the City and County Borough of Belfast.
We would like to thank our honorary guests who attended our event:
- Ryan Murphy, Mayor of Belfast
- Linsey Farrell, Deputy Secretary for Education Policy and Children’s Services at the Department of Education;
- Brian Kingston MLA, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Northern Ireland;
- representatives of St John Ambulance Northern Ireland
We would like to express our gratitude to Alan Moore OBE TD DL Vice Lord-Lieutenant for the County Borough of Londonderry (Derry/Londonderry City) – for his continuous support guidance and advice.
Special thanks to Consul Andrii Kuslii, head of the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh Консульство України в Единбурзі, who came from Edinburgh, Scotland to attend our event.
Thanks to photographer Alisa Lymanska Photography and videographer Lyman Sky Videography for the wonderful photos and beautiful video that will remain with us as a good memory.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7y0tG6mgiY
Thanks to all local businesses for donating prizes for the raffle:
- “Alana Interiors“
- “Boots UK“
- “The Corner House Bar“
- “Clear Pharmacy“
- “Hendersons North Street”
- “Lavender Lane“
- Tom Gourley
- ” Gilberry Fayre Restaurant and Catering Services “
- ” Kyles Kebab Lurgan“
- ” Moira Pizzeria“
- to the friendly staff of Agrihealth Lurgan
- ” Eddie Rocket’s Northern Ireland – Belfast and Newry”
- ” National Trust“
- ” Titanic Belfast “
- ” Nit & Natters Community Armagh”
We thank the craftspeople for organizing the mini-market. Thank you to everyone who prepared food, who organized a master class with children, and special thanks to all our artists, the concert program was rich and varied thanks to your performances.
Special thanks to:
- Rathgael Gymnastics & Tumbling Club and their coach Olena Punt;
- “Vereneya” dance group;
- the beautiful bandurist Natalia Feshchenko;
- charming polar bear from Sky Craft.
Thank you to everyone who helped in the preparation and organization of the event.
Thank you all for your contribution to help Ukrainians in Ukraine; and let’s move on, to victory!
You all are amazing! This day would not have happened without your help and support.
(* With the support of the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh .)
