Community groups, events Rally in support of Ukraine
By Beth Milligan | March 1, 2022
Several community groups and events are rallying their support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion of the country.
Traverse City commissioners began their Monday meeting by expressing solidarity with “our struggling friends in Ukraine who are fighting for their own democracy,” in the words of Pro Tem Mayor Amy Shamroe, who added that the city wants the “quickest and quickest resolution for security and sovereignty for Ukraine.” At the Grand Traverse County Commission meeting on Wednesday, commissioners will consider approving a “bipartisan resolution in solidarity with residents of Ukrainian descent” sponsored by Commissioner Bryce Hundley (Democrat) and Commissioner Brad Jewett (Republican ). The resolution notes that “the Grand Traverse County community includes many people who proudly claim Ukrainian heritage” and that “the unprovoked Russian attacks on the sovereignty of the country of Ukraine have caused a period of uncertainty for the Ukrainian community in Grand Traverse County, and for their families overseas. He says Grand Traverse County “stands strongly with our Ukrainian residents, our friends, our neighbors and their families during this time of uncertainty” and “calls on our state leaders and nationals to remain resolute in the defense of our sovereign allies around the world and to provide humanitarian aid where it is needed. If approved, the resolution will be sent to Governor Gretchen Whitmer, state and national representatives, and Michigan’s other 82 counties.
On Sunday, Rare Bird Brewpub will host a “Borscht & Bread” community fundraiser from 2-5 p.m. featuring borscht – Ukraine’s most popular dish – prepared by several local chefs and served with Common Good bread and Rare Bird craft beer . Prints by Ukrainian artists will be available for purchase and donations will be accepted for verified local nonprofit organizations in Ukraine to meet their military and humanitarian needs. Art from Kyiv-based artists (Alyona Zhuk – illustrator and tattoo artist) and Linotale (linoleum engraver) will be showcased.
Downtown Traverse City restaurant The Good Bowl announced that in light of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, the restaurant had donated $500 to the nonprofit Global Empowerment Mission, which has a team in Poland for Ukrainian refugees to provide immediate assistance and resettlement support. “On top of that, starting this Wednesday through Sunday, we’re doubling our $1-a-bowl charity program to support another great frontline nonprofit, World Central Kitchen, which ()feeds thousands refugees,” The Good Bowl posted on Facebook on Tuesday. “So that means for this week we’ll donate $2 per bowl to charity: $1 to the charity of your choice and $1 to World Central Kitchen.” Meanwhile, Old Mission Bakery, which employs a part-Ukrainian graphic designer, has created a label for Ukrainian Relief bread. Two dollars from each bread sale will go directly to displaced Ukrainians.
Women’s March TC is hosting a Stand with Ukraine event at the Downtown Traverse City Open Space on Saturday, March 19 from 1-3 p.m. Cash donations will be accepted at the event for Voices of Children, a non-profit organization specializing in psychological and psychosocial support for children and families in Ukraine. More details will be released closer to the rally online here.