Vic Ukrainetz, known as the King of the Fiddle, will be performing Ukrainian folk music during a fundraiser in Summerland.

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Citizens of the Okanagan continue to help the people of Ukraine who are defending their country against a Russian invasion.

Today, April 3, Kelowna Stands with Ukraine is inviting the public to join its members for a one-off rally at the intersection of Brown Road and Highway 97 in West Kelowna. The rally starts at 2 p.m.

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“We are meeting together to show our solidarity with Ukraine in their struggle to remain a free democratic nation,” co-ordinator Andrii Altimas said in an email.

“There will be fundraising activities and stickers and t-shirts for sale. Also there will be some singing and speeches.”

Another way to support Ukraine is next weekend at the Summerland Waterfront Resort for a fundraiser organized by the community.

There will be Ukrainian folk music performed by Vic Ukrainetz, who’s known as the King of the Fiddle, according to the press release.

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Also performing is Pam Ferens, who will also be collaborating on stage with Marilyn Stefanik to form Sister Act – a tributes to harmony duos like the Andrews Sisters.

Summerland local Danny Evanishen has been collecting and publishing stories of Ukrainian folk tales for over 30 years, and he’ll be sharing a few at the fundraiser. He will also speak to the country’s “rich culture and troubled history.”

And local artist Jean Evanishen will discuss the history of Trypillian pottery which originated in ancient Ukraine.

There will also be a silent auction.

Attendees are encouraged to wear clothes that reflect their own ethnic background to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

Tickets cost $20 and can be purchased through this link. 

Proceeds will be donated to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, which was organized by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

The fundraiser starts at 7 p.m. on April 9 at the Summerland Waterfront Resort.

In Kamloops, peaceful protests continue in solidarity with Ukraine every Saturday at city hall.

“We are grateful for everyone who can come and stand with us at 3 p.m.,” Oleksandr Kondrashov said in an email.

Kondrashov teaches the Ukrainian Diaspora Studies course at Thompson Rivers University which has been “postponed due to Russian aggression in Ukraine.”

Instead on Saturdays at 9 a.m., there will be healing and sharing circles as well as updates about Ukraine.

“All are welcome.”

There is also a fundraiser on April 9 at the Heffley Creek Hall, which is being hosted by the Simya Ukrainian dance group. There will be coffee, cake, dancing and a silent auction. 

“Please consider asking local businesses to donate items for the silent auction or send donations directly to UCC Humanitarian Appeal,” Kondrashov said.

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