On August 25th, all ticket sales will go to not-for-profits providinghumanitarian relief in Ukraine.
Having recognized that the Sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine as well as a worldwide symbol of hope and unity – and eager to lend support to the citizens impacted by the conflict in Ukraine – we will be hosting a special fundraiser on Thursday, August 25th at the festival.
On that day, all ticket sales will be donated to H.E.R.O (Humanitarian Emergency Response Operations) Society, a registered not-for-profit society in Canada and a registered charity in Ukraine. H.E.R.O is 100% volunteer-operated, existing to provide humanitarian aid, disaster relief and emergency response support worldwide.
Schedule of Events
10:30pm: Introduction to the festival, MCd by Terry Malchuk
1:00pm – 2:00pm: Musical performances by:
All-Day Activities
10:00am – 4:00pm Children’s Craft
10:00am – 6:30pm Camouflage Net-Making
10:00am – 6:30pm Ukrainian Fundraising Souvenir Marketplace
10:00am – 7:00pm “Stand with Ukraine” Canvas Flag
“Leave your handprint in blue or yellow paint and write a message of encouragement to the Brave soldiers, medical workers, and volunteers in Ukraine. This canvas flag (painter’s canvas) will be stretched behind the doors of the sea container that will be sent out on August 27th.”
Funds raised will support H.E.R.O’s ongoing operations in both Ukraine and British Columbia. The multidisciplinary team in Ukraine is composed of both Canadian and Ukrainian volunteers whose main focus is logistical support and transportation of humanitarian aid. The BC team focuses on securing high-value medical equipment through private donors and surplus equipment. Their current mission involves sending a shipping container filled with hospital beds, linens, medical equipment, and supplies to eastern Ukraine.
Support will also be raised for ongoing projects with the Maple Hope Foundation, a registered Canadian non-profit raising funds to support Ukraine.
As well as exploring the fields of flowers, Harrison Sunflower Festival attendees on August 25th will be treated to live music and entertainment. And there will be four food trucks onsite that day, including Old Country Pierogi.
In a gesture of solidarity with the many volunteer groups in Ukraine, there will also be a letter-writing table where everyone is welcome to compose a note of support that will be given to those on the front lines in Ukraine. Additionally, an area beside the Farm Store will be set up to help construct camouflage netting (mirroring an activity that has been taking place in Ukraine). The netting will be sent to Ukraine and used to protect humanitarian vehicles.
“Like millions of others, my husband and I have been heartbroken by images of the devastation in Ukraine,” says festival co-founder Kate Onos-Gilbert. “In recognition of the Sunflower being Ukraine’s national flower, we knew we wanted to create a fundraising event for the country’s citizens who are in need of support. We encourage everyone who can make it to attend the festival on this day. The more attendees, the more funds we can pass along for much-needed humanitarian relief.”
We hope you’ll join us on Thursday, August 25th from 10am-6pm for Ukrainian Day!
For those unable to attend the event and would still like to contribute,
you can donate directly to either organization below!
Make a donation to H.E.R.O. Society:
Make a donation to Maple Hope Foundation:
