FILE PHOTO - A rally held outside of Kelowna city hall Feb. 24, 2022 for Ukraine.

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

A concert this weekend in Kelowna is a fundraiser for military and medical supplies to send to Ukraine as it continues to fight against the Russian invasion.

The Concert for Ukraine will raise money for the Kelowna Stands with Ukraine group, which has been providing military and medical supplies directly to those fighting on the frontlines in Ukraine since Russia invaded the country in February.

The group has raised more than $260,000 since the war began. It has also helped displaced Ukrainians who have arrived in Kelowna. Millions have been displaced in what has become Europe's largest refugee crisis since the Second World War.

Admission is free and donations are greatly encouraged. All the proceeds will go to humanitarian aid in Ukraine, and to support those displaced, now living in the Okanagan.

Performances, which start at noon and continue until 9:30 p.m., Saturday, May 21, at Waterfront Park, include the Kelowna City Concert Band, Dirt Road Opera, Midnight Steel, The Silverbacks, Steezy Steve, Scotty Berg, The Diluted Mindz, The Tenderloyns, Karen Wiseman with Chris Harwood Jones Jazz Duo, and Rann Berry and the Random Act., according to the group’s Facebook page. Local food trucks will also be on site.

The Rotary Centre for the Arts currently has an exhibition called Children of Ukraine: Art From Inside Bomb Shelters featuring the drawings and paintings of children ages five to 12, living inside bomb shelters in Rivne, made for the people of Kelowna.

“Oftentimes, art becomes a distraction from the world around us, serving as an outlet of emotion. This is something the children of Ukraine need now more than ever. Their art ranges from inspiring images of Ukrainian cities, to heart-wrenching depictions of injured civilians,” according to the centre’s announcement.

The exhibition is free to view and is located on the first floor at the RCA until May 26. Donations are being accepted and residents can purchase the works for $20 each, with all proceeds going towards providing protective and medical gear to those defending Ukraine.

Images drawn by children in Ukraine are being displayed at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

Another exhibition titled Save Mariupol=Save Ukraine is also running until May 27 at the downtown Kelowna branch of the Okanagan Regional Library.

To donate and find out more information about the group, visit Kelowna Stands with Ukraine's website.

An image was drawn by a Ukrainian child while sheltering in a bomb shelter is being shown at the Rotary Centre for the Arts.

(CARLI BERRY / iNFOnews.ca)

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