World Dance for Humanity (WD4H) has now raised a total of $50,000 toward the relief effort in Ukraine. But the nonprofit is not done yet.
“Of the recent $50,000 contribution, $20,000 was a match from a local Ukrainian man,” said Janet Reineck, World Dance executive director. “He was so pleased with the response, he offered the match again.”
This week’s goal is $10,000 to be raised by Sunday, March 27 — which will become $20,000 with the matching funds. The donation is going through the local Ukrainian church which is wiring the money directly to its contacts in Rivne and Lviv to buy food, medicine and supplies for refugees in desperate need.
As they did last week to garner support for the cause, WD4H dancers will stage a Ukrainian dance flashmob at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26 on State Street at De la Guerra. The flashmob is also designed to draw people to an adjacent bake sale hosted by a group of local Ukranians.
“The bake sale last Saturday was wonderful with delicious pastries and bread and lots of donations coming in for Ukraine,” Reineck said. “It was so successful that the Ukrainian women are baking again for this Saturday. And World Dance will be back, dancing and drawing passersby to the bake sale.”
Due to new permit requirements that take effect in April, this is the last street bake sale the group can put on, she said.
All are welcome to join in the dancing, and wearing the blue and yellow hues of the Ukrainian flag is encouraged. It’s not necessary to be familiar with the Ukrainian dances, but for those who are interested, WD4H will hold a practice class at 9:45 a.m. on the grass across from Chase Palm Park on Cabrillo Boulevard.
To donate in support of Ukraine, visit https://worlddanceforhumanity.org/donate-ukraine/. For more about the world dance schedule, visit https://worlddanceforhumanity.org/schedule/.