THUNDER BAY — A member of the city's Ukrainian community hopes local residents will show up at a concert and support the families of several soldiers injured in the current war with Russia.
"This is the opportunity to give right to the people that need it," said Lisa Klymenko.
She's helping to promote an upcoming concert by the Gerdan folk singers from Chernivtsi, Ukraine.
The 16-member group was scheduled to begin a Canadian tour in Montreal on Wednesday night before heading for Ontario.
Five of its members were wounded defending their country against the invaders.
Klymenko said funds raised on the tour will go to supporting the soldiers and their families.
"It's important because we hear a lot about the war in Ukraine, and we see a lot of pictures and news broadcasts, but this is going to be our way to kind of get close to what's happening over there."
She happened to see the choir perform in Ukraine in 2018, and when she heard recently that it was coming to Canada, she thought "we have to get this choir here."
The Gerdan singers already have a substantial following in Canada.
"Their arrangements of traditional folk songs are reinvigorating authentic Ukrainian music and astounding audiences everywhere . . . Ukrainian culture has been under threat for hundreds of years but its oppressors have not succeeded. But the battle is not over," Klymenko stated.
The group has partnered with the Ukrainian National Federation to handle the disbursement of the money that's raised during the tour.
Tickets are $50 and are being sold through Eventbrite, but there's no admission charge for children under 12.
The Thunder Bay concert goes from 6:15 to 9:15 p.m. on Feb. 29 in First Wesley United Church at 130 Brodie St. N.
