Local business owner steps up in support of Ukraine

Susan Cordiner, owner of Dobre Food and Catering will be bringing Ukraine to Strathmore.

Cordiner is organizing a Ukrainian fundraising event on April 3rd at the Strathmore Civic Centre with proceeds going to the Red Cross efforts to aid people in Ukraine. There will be different events and activities planned throughout the day.

“We're going to kick off our day at 11:00 with the Mayor doing an opening speech. At noon, Reverend Kern from the Anglican Church in Strathmore will do a peace prayer for everyone, and a Ukrainian choir coming in at 1:00.”

The organizers are also planning for a magician and Ukrainian dancers. With multiple vendors from small private businesses and sponsored booths that will include face painting Easter egg making, raffles, other activities and an all-day Ukrainian buffet, there will be something for everyone to participate in.

“We're hoping to reach somewhere between eight and ten thousand dollars so we can help in whatever way we can from here. The Red Cross has always been there through thick and thin through all the wars, through all the devastation that's happened in the world so we thought this would be the best charity,” Cordiner explained.

The situation in Ukraine is saddening and devastating for the people trapped and injured but it also hits close to home.

“One of my employees was a big push for us to do this. She has a lot of family back in Ukraine. I've got a Ukrainian and Polish background, but most of my family came here in the early 1900s. She actually has brothers and sisters and nephews and nieces back there and they need help.”

Cordiner went on to explain the best way to help and get involved with this event.

“We are in need of vendors right now. We still have 25 spots to fill and we're still in need of some corporate sponsors. We have 6 event booths that we need corporate sponsors for including our Easter egg-making booth. We've had a large number of volunteers come out, we're really happy with that and they'll be helping with the booths and ticket sales.”

For more details on the upcoming event and vendor opportunities and sponsorship information contact Cordiner through Dobre Food & Catering or call 403-870-6343.