Ukrainian church holds fundraiser in Ooltewah
OOLTEWAH, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Ukrainian Gospel Church Mission (UGC) held an event Saturday to raise funds and awareness for Ukraine.
People came from all around Chattanooga came to support the mission.
“We have a mission UGC and that’s what they do here. We try to accomplish as much financial support and awareness of what’s going on in Ukraine. Many things that are done here are what we will gather, and how it’s going to go as far as awareness, is all going to go to help Ukraine,” Bishop of UGC Stephan Garasimchuk said.
Local Ukrainians contributed to the event through music, food, and cultural items.
Participants could enter a raffle in support of Ukraine missions.
All proceeds go to humanitarian aid for Ukraine.
“We are just amazed by the generosity of things. We were able to provide over two shipping containers of clothing, of hygiene items, of medicine … through Poland that were able to bring into Ukraine and give a guarantee that it was delivered,” Director of the UGC Mission Vitaly Skotsen said.
Mayor Tim Kelly recently partnered with the city of Trostyanets,Ukraine.
The hope is for Chattanooga and surrounding communities to support their sister city.
“We just recently completed a memorandum of understanding with Trostyanets, Ukraine to become a pier city. So it’s a partnership between Chattanooga and Trostyanets. Mayor Kelly and Mayor Bova have been talking together and working on this for quite some time. And so we’re now looking at ways that we can better support Trostyanets, and the people of Ukraine during this extraordinarily difficult time,” Director of Intergovernmental and External affairs Ellis Smith said.
“And as you look around, we’ve got unbelieved support here in Chattanooga already. There are many Ukrainians here. I think that’s a sign of how welcoming Chattanooga is. Now Chattanoogan’s lead with their values and with their hearts,” Smith said.
The event sold out of all drinks, food, and souvenirs by 1 p.m. on Saturday.
The Ukrainian Gospel Church Mission will continue to support fellow Ukrainians by raising funds and donating supplies.
