Over three and a half years into the war, the fourth Ukrainian benefit concert to aid Sviatohirsk is set for Dec. 14

By Sydney Seymour, Ashland.news

Ashland-Sviathorsk Aid Project (ASAP) will host a three-part benefit concert to aid Sviatohirsk — Ashland’s “sister city” in Ukraine — from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Ashland High School. The event includes a holiday sale of Ukrainian gifts and food, a film about Sviatohirsk and a concert featuring local artists, many of whom are Ukrainian. 

In 2023, the Ashland City Council approved a “sister-city” partnership with Sviatohirsk to rebuild civilian facilities destroyed during Russia’s 2022 occupation. ASAP, a citizen-led nonprofit, emerged to build and maintain ties between the two cities. Community-funded efforts have since supplied a water truck, a truck to remove war rubble and medical equipment like tourniquets, bandages and burn care wipes to Sviatohirsk — a city 70% destroyed by Russians, according to ASAP. 

The ASAP board shared with a “heavy heart” in a Nov. 15 email that Sviatohirsk has been evacuated due to Russian military advances. Many senior residents, however, were unable to leave. ASAP will give an update on the reality on the ground in Ashland’s sister city during the event.

All proceeds from the Dec. 14 concert, ASAP’s fourth benefit concert for Ukraine, will help Ukraine, according to the ASAP board. They plan to purchase “vital” first aid equipment and an armoured, non-combat vehicle — as suggested by the mayor of Sviatohirsk — to help people evacuate from active war regions. A portion of the money will also help provide weed whackers for farmers to clear their land.

The holiday sale where Ukrainian homemade gifts — holiday dolls, ornaments and baked goods — will be sold will run from 2 to 3 p.m. Each item can be bought at full price or a discounted price to benefit Ukraine. 

At 2:30 p.m., a 21-minute “war front” film about Sviatohirsk will be shown along with a 5-minute video about ASAP.     

The 90-minute concert begins at 3 p.m. with emcee Dan Hauser, Camelot Theatre’s executive director, to introduce speakers and entertainers. Performers include the Southern Oregon Repertory Singers, Rogue Suspects and Kalinonka — a Ukrainian women’s singing group formed by women who sought refuge in the Rogue Valley during the war. 

Kalinonka Founder Lyudmila Sokol said in a translated written statement to Ashland.news, “When we sing, we feel as if we are home again. Each song carries the voices of our ancestors, the wisdom of generations and the story of Ukraine.” 

The group will perform traditional Christmas songs including the infamous “Carol of the Bells” — but in its original form as a Ukrainian folk song, “Schedryi Vechir,” or “Bountiful Evening.”

Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham will recount her June trip to Ukraine that was intended to strengthen ties with Sviatohirsk and remind Ukrainians that of Ashland’s long-term commitment to the war-torn nation, as earlier reported by Ashland.news. 

“I was deeply moved by my trip to Ukraine,” Graham said during a phone call with Ashland.news. “It has redoubled my commitment to helping where I can. Our community has stepped up in many ways already, and the folks in Sviatohirsk are so grateful.”

State Sen. Jeff Golden, who will also speak during the event, said he was inspired by and proud of Ashland for “stepping up” for Ukraine. While Ashland assists Ukraine, Sen. Golden pointed out that Ukraine is “helping us too.” 

He continued over the phone with Ashland.news, “They are showing what it means to stand up to a tyrant. The only thing to stop a tyrant is a whole people standing up together. We are starting to do that now in this country, but it could be that part of what has brought us here is the inspiration of the Ukrainian people standing up.”   

Graham also emphasized the importance of regularly checking in on Ashland’s relationship with Sviatohirsk. “It’s a great illustration of who we are as a community. The folks in Sviatohirsk are looking forward to the day when they will be able to reciprocate support. But in the meantime, what we’re doing for our sister city is so important.” 

Over three and a half years since Russia invaded Ukraine, there are 27 Ukrainian families living in Ashland according to a Aug. 24 city press release, and 180 Ukrainian refugees in the Rogue Valley according to ASAP event coordinator Betsy Bishop. 

Bishop recommended attendees bring cash, checks and/or credit cards for tax-deductible donations. She said in a phone call to Ashland.news, “We’re hoping that people care about Ukrainians keeping their land and democracy and will support Ukraine in trying to bring their country back.” 

Tickets are available for $20 for adults or $15 for seniors and students over 12. Tickets are free for AHS students (with ID) and children under 11. 

Email Ashland.news reporter Sydney Seymour at [email protected].

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