Radway Agricultural Society hosts Ukrainian fundraiser

By Myrina Carter

On the fifth of November, the Radway Agricultural Society hosted a fundraiser for the Ukraine Relief Effort. The evening began at 5:00 p.m. at 5108 51 Street. It included the live band, Millenia, and entertainment from Edmonton’s Veselka Ukrainian Dancers, along with a delicious Ukrainian meal prepared by the ladies of the Radway Agricultural Society for guests who purchased tickets.

Neil Halun, a RAS member, said, “We were hoping to do 300-400 in ticket sales, but the total purchased was 228, which was still a great turnout! We are proud to say we raised $1,140 to go towards Ukraine Relief Effort. We checked with the former premier of Alberta, Ed Stelmach, to ensure our donations reached the Ukraine Relief Effort.”

A traditional Ukrainian meal was prepared and served by members of the Radway Agricultural Society for everyone who attended. Bellies were full and ready for the planned show. The entertainment of the evening had the crowds cheering and dancing throughout the night. The Veselka Ukrainian Dancers performed a beautiful traditional Ukrainian dance performance from Edmonton, AB. Attendees enjoyed the perfect display of dances like the hopak, round dance, and polka. Millenia is a band whose primary mission is to preserve and advance Canadian Ukrainian music, and it played at the fundraiser with a great modern progressive style. Millenia had everyone off their seats until 1:00 am in  spirit of the evening and celebrating the fun night hosted for a great cause.

Halun said, “The food was fantastic, an amazing performance by the Veselka Ukrainian Dance group, and Millenia played great music that had guests dancing all night long! A huge thank you to all the volunteers for setting up, cooking, bartending, and cleaning up! Also, a thank you to all our organizers for promoting and selling tickets!”