The Rotary Club of Parry Sound will be celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day with some fun activities this weekend.
Linda West, Chair of the Rotary Club’s West Parry Sound Friends of Ukrainians, says on Sunday August 27 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, the group will be down at the town docks in the band shell and will be doing all things Ukrainian.
“There’s going to be some Ukrainian foods, treats, bracelets, pins and books. There’s also going to be some hair braiding and Ukrainian music. It’s going to be like our event last spring, Discover Ukraine and just a little less. There won’t be a sit-down meal, but the Ukrainians will be there to chat about what’s happening and how things are going on,” she says.
West says the group is also fundraising to help settle Ukrainian families in the region.
“What we’re hoping to do this this year is settle one family per month. The funds will be going toward all the things that you need when you first come. Support with shelter and food and organization and transportation to get your medicals and all the good things that would make life a little bit easier for the new arrivals,” she says.
West says they are hoping to raise around $15,000, securing a little bit more than $1000 per family.
To date, West says the local Rotary Club has supported a little over 100 Ukrainians that are living in the Parry Sound area.
“I think it would be terrific to see Parry Sounders come down and support the Ukrainians,” West says.
You can learn more about the event and how to donate by clicking here; rotaryparrysound.org