Turning away guests was the last thing a Richmond Ukrainian organization was expecting to do at a fundraiser on Friday.
But it was for a good reason.
The Ivan Franko Ukrainian Society saw a huge turnout at a traditional Ukrainian cuisine take-out event that was raising funds for the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.
At the event, 529 dinners, which featured Ukrainian specialties like perogies, cabbage rolls, Ukrainian sausage and dessert, were sold.
Vera Adams, vice-president of the Ivan Franko Ukrainian Society, said many guests had to be turned away because there were more people than they expected.
“People were lining up down the side of the hall to Francis Road, and they came out in droves. It was so well-supported that we were kind of blown away,” said Adams.
“We are now pleased that we can now donate the money.”
She added that they are deeply touched to see the ongoing support and gestures of generosity for the war-torn country.
The society also wrote a letter of thanks to express their gratitude for community members trying to do their part to help the cause.
“The Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko would like to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported April 8th fundraiser. The Society looks forward to making a donation to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and Canada Ukraine Foundation Humanitarian Appeal,” read the letter.
“We are incredibly proud to be making this donation in support of Ukraine on behalf of our Society.”
