A Christmas concert at Oak Bay High will raise money to help displaced Ukrainians living on the Island.
Scheduled for Dec. 20, and emceed by Saanich Coun. Colin Plant, the family-friendly event will boast a blend of Ukrainian and Canadian holiday tunes. The Veselka Ukrainian Dancers and LADO Strings are set to perform.
“This concert will not only showcase the incredible cultural richness of Ukraine, but it will also bring our community together to make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need our help,” Plant said in a news release.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the event's organizer Help Ukraine Vancouver Island Society (HUVIS), a non-profit that provides English classes, summer camps, essential services and financial and community support to families and individuals who have fled the war in Ukraine.
Since April 2022, 1,655 Ukrainians have moved to Vancouver Island, 50 per cent of whom live in Greater Victoria, according to HUVIS.
Karmen McNamara, the organization's founder, said events like this one provide much-needed hope to Ukrainians on the Island.
“When people from the Ukrainian community who have gone through so much can see Canadians taking the time to show up for them, that shows them that we still care, that we still support them and that we will stand with them,” she told the Oak Bay News. “It just injects hope into the community.”
For tickets to the concert, visit: ukrainehelpvi.ca/tickets.
