On Sunday, 9 June, Space’s Living and Working In Scotland group teamed up with AUGB Edinburgh for a celebration of Ukrainian art, culture, and food.
‘This was a fantastic opportunity for families to come along and get a taste of the real Ukraine,’ according to Hazel Lyons, Training and Employability Project Worker at Space.
The community event—featuring Ukrainian children’s and adult choirs, a masterclass in protective net wearing, family-friendly crafts, and stalls full of Ukrainian gifts—attracted a crowd of 160 people and raised £383 for the Edinburgh Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) to help on the front lines of Ukraine.
All funds collected will be distributed across charities including AICM Ukraine (Association International de Cooperation Medicale) and Red Cross Ukraine.
‘Excellent singing from the children’s and adult choirs really touched my heart,’ Hazel said. ‘The atmosphere was very warm, friendly, and pleasant.’ The Living and Working in Scotland group, which supports Ukrainians fleeing the war with Russia, ‘really enjoyed working together and made friends,’ she added.
Many thanks to the AUGB team, with a special shoutout to Chairperson Hannah Beaton Hawryluk, who was recently awarded an MBE for services to the Ukrainian community in Scotland.
Photos provided by Basya Volodarskaya.