The Jervis Bay Legion will play host to the local Ukrainian community in a fundraiser on Saturday.
The newly formed Ukrainian Association of Saint John has put together a fundraising fair with traditional food, music and crafts.
Svitlana Goncharova said the Ukrainian Association of Saint John came into being because the local families couldn’t sit still and do nothing once the war started.
“We decided to be more organized with the Ukrainian families here and we wanted to help each other and the Ukrainian people as well,” Goncharova said.
She left Kyiv, Ukraine with her husband and two sons five years ago and are now living in the Kennebecasis Valley.
Goncharova was asked how she ended up in the Saint John area.
“When people talk about Canada in Ukraine, almost nobody talks about New Brunswick but, New Brunswick is so wonderful and I’m so happy we ended up here,” Goncharova said.
She said they are very grateful for the support the Ukrainian community has received from local residents since the war began.
“They donated items [and] time, they text us and send their prayers. I see how people care deeply about Ukraine. It’s so heartwarming. It really helps,” Goncharova said.
Goncharova said the event is a chance for Saint Johners to experience Ukrainian culture.
“So many people from Saint John donated their arts and crafts and very interesting items for the fair. We will have a silent auction and a 50/50 draw,” Goncharova said.
The fundraiser takes place Saturday at the Jervis Bay Legion at 1016 Bayside Drive from 12 to 5 p.m.
Svitlana Goncharova is part of the team hosting a fundraiser to benefit Ukrainians coming to New Brunswick. pic.twitter.com/D5P94SwNCa
— Tamara Steele (@tamarasteele1) April 8, 2022
