WESTLOCK – As the war in Ukraine continues Albertans remain steadfast in their support for the war-battered nation and its people.
That support is being felt locally as dancers with the Westlock and District Ukrainian Cultural Society prepare to present ‘An Afternoon of Dance in Support of Ukraine’ on May 8. The Mother’s Day fundraiser takes place at the Cultural Arts Theatre at 2 p.m.
“The last time we did a show was January of 2020 — that was our Malanka, our New Year’s celebration, said Westlock and District Ukrainian Cultural Society president Charmaine Babiak. “We were financially strapped so we were going to cancel our year-end show (in 2022) … I was contacted by an anonymous donor who wanted to pay for the rental of the hall (and other expenses).”
With the war and suffering in Ukraine in recent weeks, the society wanted to step up and do their part to help with humanitarian efforts there.
“We wanted to make it bigger and make it more than just our little society that benefited from this donation,” she said. “We typically have our own Ukrainian dance festival in March but we didn’t have that this year … so we put an e-mail out to the clubs we normally invite to our festival. We’ve got a couple of responses back and they’re going to come and join us.”
Among some of the performances expected are the Two Hills Ukrainian Dancers and Viter, a group from Edmonton.
Babiak said the estimated hour-long event will feature music and dance from Ukraine as well as several door prizes that have also been donated.
“All proceeds raised will go to humanitarian efforts for Ukraine,” said Babiak, noting that tickets will be available with a cash donation of any amount, both prior to the event and at the door on May 8, and can be picked up at Westlock Fountain Tire or by calling or texting 780-350-1153.
“I think if anything that this war has taught us, it’s that Ukrainians are about more than themselves,” said Babiak. “They’re about supporting each other and helping each other. Our dance society tries to do that as much as we can too.”
