Ukrainian Action Hosts Fundraiser Gala in London, Raises $85,000 to Support Ukraine
12 May 2024
Ukrainian Action Hosts Fundraiser Gala in London, Raises $85,000 to Support Ukraine
Gala raised further funding for Ukrainian Action’s programs in support of Ukraine, including deliveries of emergency support, humanitarian aid and rehabilitation program for military veterans
Speakers included Jack Lopresti, MP and Deputy Chair of the Conservative Party, Eduard Fesko, Charge d'Affaires of the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK, with special musical guest Oleg Skrypka
LONDON—10 May 2024—Ukrainian Action, the UK charity and U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine, hosted a memorable gala event on April 20th 2024 at the prestigious Royal Automobile Club in London. The evening, titled "A Night for Ukraine," welcomed 135 supporters who gathered to show solidarity and raise funds for Ukraine amidst ongoing challenges.
The evening began with the announcement of the passing of the $61 billion Ukraine aid bill by the United States, which elicited a resounding standing ovation from attendees. The mood of unity and support reverberated throughout the event, setting the stage for an impactful gathering.
Jeffrey Hartman, Co-Founder of Ukrainian Action, shared with the audience inspiring stories of Heroes who participated in the organization's inaugural rehabilitation program held in the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains earlier in 2024. These stories served as a poignant reminder of the resilience and bravery of individuals dedicated to Ukraine's cause.
Eduard Fesko, Charge d’affaires and acting Ambassador at the Ukrainian Embassy in the UK, emphasized the crucial need for ongoing Western support, stressing the necessity of aid and weapons to sustain Ukraine's fight against aggression. His impassioned plea underscored the global significance of supporting Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression.
Jack Lopresti, MP and Deputy Chairman of Britain’s Conservative Party, reiterated the unwavering support of the UK Government for Ukraine, reaffirming the nation's commitment to standing by its Eastern European ally. Francis Dearnley, of The Telegraph, echoed the sentiment, urging European nations to increase their support to match that of the United States.
The evening was further elevated by the musical performances of Oleg Skrypka and Vopli Vidopliassova, who treated guests to their original Ukrainian folk and rock songs. From inspiring soldiers on the frontlines to enchanting the audience with their melodies, the performance brought joy and energy to the event, bringing the entire room to their feet dancing.
Expressing gratitude to all attendees and supporters, Ukrainian Action announced that a remarkable $85,000 USD was raised in relation to the event. These funds will enable the organization to expand UA’s Heroes rehabilitation program with multiple cohorts scheduled for the summer of 2024. Additionally, the funds will be allocated towards purchasing vehicles and providing humanitarian and medical aid to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Action's commitment to supporting Ukraine remains steadfast, as evidenced by the upcoming departure of a 55th convoy from London to Ukraine next week, comprising 9 vehicles driven by 14 dedicated volunteers.
The Birth of Ukranian Action
Launched days after Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, by Hartman, his Ukrainian-born wife Natasha, and ice hockey teammate Matthew Morgan, Ukrainian Action has raised over $4 million USD and donated more than 270 vehicles and hundreds of pallets of physical humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. Convoys depart from London to Ukraine an average of every two weeks during the two years since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Ukrainian Action is a network of 40 volunteer members, more than 300 volunteer drivers and over 1,000 donors.
But it began with Hartman and Morgan buying two pickup trucks, then driving to Ukraine to donate them to Hartman’s long-time friends who were under Russian attack.
What differentiates Ukrainian Action from other Ukraine-relief organizations is the on-the-ground expertise and local knowledge possessed by Hartman and his Ukrainian colleagues and partners. They ensure that 100% of what they supply to Ukrainian people fills a specific need, such as generators for public institutions, computers for schools or art supplies and food for orphanages. All donations to the volunteer-run Ukrainian Action go directly to Ukrainians in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Action operates in full transparency so donors to the cause feel connected to the endeavor. Many donors also volunteer to drive vehicles in UA’s humanitarian aid convoys from London. People may follow convoy shipments and progress through the organization’s Instagram account.
How to help
To donate or volunteer, please visit www.ukrainianaction.com. To buy Ukrainian Action merchandise to support the relief effort, please the organization’s online store. All profits go to support the delivery of trucks and materials to Ukraine. To follow Ukrainian Action on its social media accounts, please visit its Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
About Ukrainian Action
Headquartered in London, Ukrainian Action is a UK charity and U.S. nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the survival and recovery of Ukraine. Co-founded days after Russia invaded Ukraine on 24 February 2022, by CEO Jeffrey Hartman, his Ukrainian-born wife Natasha and Matthew Morgan, Ukrainian Action has raised over $4 million USD and donated more than 270 vehicles and hundreds of pallets of physical humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine. The organization is a network of 40 volunteer members, more than 300 volunteer drivers and over 1,000 donors. Ukrainian Action is registered with the United Kingdom Charity Commission with UK Registered Charity Number 1202133, and is a U.S. tax-exempt public charity under 501(c)(3): FEIN 88-1173971. All donations from individual U.S. taxpayers are tax-deductible. To learn more, please visit: www.ukrainianaction.com.
Media contact
Jeffrey Hartman
Co-founder and CEO
