‘Blue Jeans, Burgers and Bevvies’ fundraiser helps Ukrainians settle in Kelowna – Okanagan | 24CA News
With extra Ukrainian households shifting to Kelowna, B.C., native organizations hope to provide them a lift whereas they get their begin within the metropolis.
A fundraiser was held Tuesday with the objective of giving again. “Blue jeans, burgers and bevvies” was the theme for a particular occasion Tuesday night.
Hearts and Hands 4 Ukraine is a bunch solely three weeks outdated, however one decided to make a distinction for Ukrainians in Kelowna, with the assistance of native organizations.
“We’re doing everything we can to make sure this just goes straight through to the Ukrainians and the Kelowna Community Resources,” stated co-organizer Tod Alstad.
Alstad stated that over 100 Ukrainian refugees shall be shifting to the Okanagan by the top of subsequent month and the group needs to easy the transition.
“We’re short of housing. These people are coming with the shirts on their back, so we’re hoping they’d be able to put together some gift cards, some money. When they land, they can go out and get the necessities that they need,” Alstad stated.
“This is not just a fundraiser but this is a humanitarian movement.”
Anna Vartanian, who got here along with her household to Kelowna 10 months in the past, stated fundraisers like these not solely made a distinction for her household however many others who moved to the Okanagan.
“This event helps to support all these families from the small needs to the higher needs. We are very appreciative of all the supportive people who are here now, who helped Ukrainians before this event,” Vartanian stated.
The assist Ukrainian households obtain from these occasions additionally permits them to be unbiased whereas they attempt to settle into a brand new nation.
“It’s a huge great start for each family, so they do not have to, from their first months, to pay much for shops, for food, and for some pampers for children,” Vartanian stated.
Hearts and Hands 4 Ukraine plans to host one other fundraiser occasion someday within the subsequent few months.
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