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A group of South Okanagan residents are doing what they can to fundraise for Ukraine war relief, putting on a free event just outside Penticton.
The new community park in Heritage Hills, a housing development between Penticton and Okanagan Falls off Eastside Road, will be host to the "Sunflower Festival" on May 1, organized by local Jennifer Martison.
"I couldn’t just sit back and watch this human tragedy unfold. I felt compelled to proactively do my part to help the people of Ukraine. I feel gratified that so many of us in the South Okanagan want to contribute. Working together we can and will make a real difference!” Martison said.
The festival will feature local Okanagan musicians like Joshua Smith with his soul folk music, and Will Shlackl with his wide-ranging solo acoustic performances covering songs from Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Guns and Roses and much more.
There will also be a silent auction and wine raffle, thanks to generous donations from local businesses. Local food trucks and artisans will be in attendance as well.
Attendance is free, but any donations will go to registered charity ARDA Ukraine and its "1,000 Rides Out" campaign funding round-trips in and out of Ukraine with humanitarian supplies going in, and refugees coming out.
"A $27 donation can bring one person – a child or mother or grandmother, to safety. Imagine if we could raise $27,000. That would bring 1000 Ukrainians to safety," Martison said.
"Our Okanagan community is full of caring people with big hearts full of kindness and compassion. The goal for the Sunflower Festival is to raise awareness and give tangible support and relief in response to this terrible humanitarian tragedy. Attendees will have the opportunity to be part of their caring community in supporting humanitarian relief for the crisis of the Ukrainian people."
Join the festival between 1 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 1 at Heritage Hills Community Park, located at 176 Chadwell Place.
