How did the seed of an idea to run a small local concert in North Melbourne to raise funds for the Ukraine crisis, grow into a concert in the Melbourne Town Hall, with over 700 people attending and raising so far $29,000?
As I (Ted) was singing with the Homebrew Verandah singers, this idea took hold that I could help my Ukraine family along with my cousins both in Poland and Ukraine. My Rotary Club loved the idea so I approached the Ukraine community, to invite their amazing choir and dance group Lehanda who also brought in the Association of Australian Ukraine in Victoria (AUV).
The Concert featured a range of entertainment including the male Homebrew choir, the beautiful choir of about 40 people from the Ukraine community and the world-renowned Lehenda dance group who are based here in Melbourne.
This was complemented by two keynote speakers Stefan Romaniw, First Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress and District Governor Dale Hoy.
The new Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, who is now a member of the newly formed Rotary Club of Liviv, paid a surprise visit.