On August 24 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., The First Congregational Church in Mansfield will be having a fundraiser hosted by the Ukrainian Freedom Scholars. All donations will be going towards helping the children in Ukraine. 

“We are hosting a fundraising event on August 24 because we consider this date a symbolic one,” Ukrainian student, Makysm Polianskyi said. “Precisely 32 years ago, back in 1991, Ukraine became an independent country. [This] gives us a special opportunity to show the Ukrainian culture on our country’s birthday.” 

The fundraiser will be held on August 24. in honor of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union. 

During the event, the Ukrainian Freedom Scholars will be preparing authentic Ukrainian cuisine alongside a silent auction. 

Checks can be made out to The First Congregational Church with Ukraine in the memo.  

All donations will go towards making Life Packs for the “Save Ukraine” program, which is a public organization in Ukraine that conducts recuse missions to help children in Ukraine.  

“Over 400 children, this is the only data on unoccupied territories, were murdered by Russians since Feb. 24, 2022,” Polianskyi explained. “Children’s mothers and fathers are dying for the sake of their safety meaning more and more children are [becoming an] orphan.” 

The Life Packs will consist of water, food, safety kits, hygiene kits, and children’s Bibles.  

“We seem to never think about the children in war,” Dr. Paul Robinson, Deacon at the First Congregational Church, said. 

It’s estimated that every day 50 children lose their parents to war.  

“The war seems so far away but it isn’t. It’s real to them. To me,” Robinson said. 

This fundraiser seeks to do everything it can for the children of Ukraine. 

“Children are our future,” Polianskyi said.