FRANKLIN, Wis. — Hundreds of people attended the Ukrainian Festival at Croatian Park in Franklin on Sunday to benefit those impacted by the Russia-Ukraine War.
What You Need To Know
Hundreds of people attended Wisconsin’s largest Ukrainian festival on Sunday in Franklin
The festival, organized by Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc., celebrates Ukraine’s heritage, creates a welcoming space for immigrants and supports those impacted by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War
Proceeds collected go to support nonprofit organizations like Revived Soldiers Ukraine that brings hundreds of severely wounded Ukrainian service members to the United States for advanced medical care
Its mission is to provide life-saving treatments that soldiers are unable to receive in their home country
The proceeds collected will support humanitarian and medical aid efforts for those affected by the ongoing Russian invasion that has lasted for four and half years.
The festival gives Wisconsinites the opportunity to experience Ukraine’s culture up close through traditional music, authentic food, live performances and more.
It was started four years ago by Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc. to celebrate Ukraine’s heritage, create a welcoming space for immigrants, and support those injured in combat, like Taras Orel.
“I received my injuries in Donetsk Oblast in the village of Poltavka, and there were eight people with me, and only three of us survived, and all of us sustained very heavy injuries,” said Orel. “I did not think that I would be able to make it.”
(Spectrum News 1/Haley Kosik)
But it was Revived Soldiers Ukraine that ended up saving his life. This nonprofit organization brings hundreds of severely wounded Ukrainian service members to the United States for advanced medical treatment.
“We take care of their medicine, we take them to hospitals every time they need to go to their appointments,” said Tetyana Levchenko from the Chicago branch of Revived Soldiers Ukraine. “Everything is on us.”
Levchenko has stood by Orel’s side every step of the way during his recovery. It’s events like this that help raise the funds needed to ensure these brave men and women get the care they need to return home healed.
“The doctor was saying that we’re almost there with my wrist healing,” said Orel. “As soon as I’m cleared, I’m looking forward to flying back home to Kyiv.”
And to reunite with his wife and two sons after nearly a year apart so he could get the treatment he needed to survive.