As Ukraine endures a ninth day trying to repel a Russian military assault, efforts are underway 6,000 miles away in Cayman to support humanitarian efforts in the country.
In a symbol of solidarity with the nation under siege in Eastern Europe, the Ukrainian flag was hoisted outside the Government Administration Building on Tuesday, as the international community ramps up its diplomatic and economic pressure on Russia.
Meanwhile, members of Cayman’s Ukrainian community, many with family and friends experiencing the Russian invasion first-hand, have rallied to do whatever they can in support.
With both sets of grandparents from Ukraine, Canadian Lisa Perejma says watching the fighting unfold has hit close to home.
Mobilising alongside others in Cayman who share her heritage, Perejma is organising a fundraising event ‘Together with Ukraine’, in support of the Ukrainian Red Cross, to be held at Rackam’s on Sunday.
20% of the proceeds from food and drink sold on the night will go towards the humanitarian work of the Ukrainian Red Cross and a table will be set up on the night where people can donate to the cause.
There will also be music and two raffles on the night, one at $5 and one at $10. An auction for items – including staycations and paintings – will also be held throughout the evening.
Although this is her first time organising anything like this, Perejma said donations have been pouring in from all over the island, with raffle prizes coming in thick-and-fast.
Over at Rackam’s, manager Tim Langfitt says there are so many reasons to help the humanitarian efforts in any way possible.
With one staff member born in Ukraine, he said Rackam’s was the natural home for a fundraising event like this.
He thanked the local business community for their donations to the event, saying they’ve received more than 50 so far. He invited others interested in supporting to contact him at 945-3860; at [email protected]; or on Facebook and Instagram.
Additionally, if people are unable to attend on Sunday but would like to donate to the cause, Rackam’s is collecting donations between opening hours of 12-10pm.
The Cayman Islands Red Cross, meanwhile, is assisting in the global Ukraine Crisis Appeal launched by the International Federation of the Red Cross and backed by the British Red Cross, according to a press release issued by the organisation.
The appeal will support the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross working on the ground with direct assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross, the arm of the movement tasked exclusively with protecting the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflicts and situations of violence.
The appeal will also support the organisations of neighbouring countries, such as Romania, Hungary and Poland, as they work to assist the 874,000+ persons who have fled Ukraine over the last six days, the release explained.
The CIRC Ukraine Crisis Appeal is running through 10 April. Donations can be made to the Ukraine Crisis Appeal account at Butterfield Bank, or in person at the CIRC administrative office at Cayman Corporate Centre on Hospital Road. For more information, contact [email protected].
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