The City will donate $7,502 from the pool of money used for its community events grant program to an event looking to fundraise for humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
The event, hosted by Cheremosh Ukranian Dance, will take place on April 19 at the Arden Theatre and showcase Ukranian dance and culture. Attendees will have the option to pay $125 for an in-person seat, or $20 to attend online, with proceeds going to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF).
Meriah-Jo Breckenridge, who approached council with the funding request, said she is a second-generation Ukranian Canadian.
“Events in Ukraine have been surreal and personally heartbreaking,” Breckenridge told council, adding that event organizers chose to give to the CUF to ensure donations will translate into aid in an efficient way.
Councillors unanimously supported chipping in cash for the event. The City’s contribution will cover the $1,811 event booking fee, as well as the facility fee, which is 10 per cent of the ticket price. With this contribution, Breckenridge said the event will be able to donate 95 per cent of the revenue it generates, which is projected to be around $61,000.
