Photos courtesy Tom Gelai
An idea by a group of local women to host a small fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees has ended up attracting upwards of 150 people and raising more than $11,000.
Denise Provan helped to organise the June 9 event after feeling a sense of helplessness for those impacted by Russia's invaaion of their country.
It was held at Suma Park estate, owned by Denise and husband Barry.
“At the beginning it was going to be drinks in my home, and then my husband suggested we have it at Suma [Park]... which was terrific because it meant we could invite a lot more," said Denise.
“And then we went around to ask local businesses for donations of either raffle prizes or wine, and I have to say everyone was so supportive. I hardly got the words out, and they would say ‘what do you want, what can we give you?’”
Over 200 tickets were sold, but with COVID-19- related cancellations, around 150 people attended, raising $11,700 – all of which will be used to be donated to causes assisting Ukrainian women and children who have been forced to flee their country.
“We just had no trouble selling, in fact we had to print more tickets in the end,” Mrs Provan said. “Everybody was just so generous and so kind.
Contributing businesses included Pasquinis, Lon Retreat, RT Edgar, Citrine, QT Traders, Sukii, IGA and Merne
An idea by a group of local women to host a small fundraiser for Ukrainian refugees has ended up attracting upwards of 150 people and raising more than $11,000.
Denise Provan helped to organise the June 9 event after feeling a sense of helplessness for those impacted by Russia's invaaion of their country.
It was held at Suma Park estate, owned by Denise and husband Barry.
“At the beginning it was going to be drinks in my home, and then my husband suggested we have it at Suma [Park]... which was terrific because it meant we could invite a lot more," said Denise.
“And then we went around to ask local businesses for donations of either raffle prizes or wine, and I have to say everyone was so supportive. I hardly got the words out, and they would say ‘what do you want, what can we give you?’”
Over 200 tickets were sold, but with COVID-19- related cancellations, around 150 people attended, raising $11,700 – all of which will be used to be donated to causes assisting Ukrainian women and children who have been forced to flee their country.
“We just had no trouble selling, in fact we had to print more tickets in the end,” Mrs Provan said. “Everybody was just so generous and so kind.
Contributing businesses included Pasquinis, Lon Retreat, RT Edgar, Citrine, QT Traders, Sukii, IGA and Merne