YONKERS, N.Y. – The Yonkers branch of the Ukrainian American Youth Association (UAYA) this year created a fund-raiser called Ski for Ukraine – an effort that was primarily organized by the oldest youth members, ages 13-18.
Skiers and sponsors, along with the generous support of the SUMA Federal Credit Union of Yonkers, N.Y., were able to raise a total of $2,500. UAYA Yonkers donated the money to a non-profit organization, Revived Soldiers Ukraine (RSU) www.rsukraine.org, which is dedicated to providing programs to Ukrainian soldiers focused on medical rehabilitation.
The funds and a poster highlighting the efforts of the UAYA youth and the event itself were donated on Saturday, May 4, during a charitable concert by virtuoso violinist Oleksandr Bozhyk in Brooklyn, organized by the Revived Soldiers Ukraine (www.rsukraine.org). Two of the soldiers who were already receiving medical aid attended the event. Three more soldiers began treatment in the U.S. that Monday through RSU.
Michael Kapitula
Organizers of the Ski for Ukraine fund-raiser holding the participant bibs.
The primary fund-raiser was during a ski trip organized by the Ukrainian Ski Association to Jiminy Peak Ski Resort in Hancock, Mass., on March 9, with the goal of supporting the rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers. The UAYA registered over 70 skiers to participate; skiers collected $1 per ski run from as many sponsors as they could find. Each skier had his or her own bib and number, which they wore throughout the event. A registration and information table was set up at the base of the mountain.
The event generated a lot of buzz around the ski resort, which helped the youth and organizers spread awareness about the fifth anniversary of the Euro-Maidan and the Heavenly Hundred, along with Russia’s ongoing war in eastern Ukraine.
The UAYA Yonkers youths said they sincerely thank every person who participated, donated towards, or generally supported the Ski for Ukraine fund-raiser. The organization looks forward to hosting a similar event next year.
For further information, readers may follow skiforukraine on Instagram or e-mail [email protected] with comments and questions.
Svetlana Fay
Presentation of the donation from the Ukrainian American Youth Association, Yonkers branch, during the charity concert for Revived Soldiers Ukraine held in Brooklyn, N.Y.