News from the Ukrainian Refugee Committee – A colourful concert, a moving tribute and a great success!

COMMITTEE’S RELEASE

A colourful concert, a moving tribute and a great success!
Sutton resident, Gillian MacCormack and her team of volunteers from Abercorn, Montreal, Knowlton and upstate New York organised a wonderful afternoon, in collaboration with the Abercorn Cultural and Heritage Association in support of the Committee for Ukrainian Refugees of Sutton.
The benefit event was made possible thanks to the outstanding support of residents, artists, crafts people and small businesses from across our region who were so generous with their time, their friendship and their talents.
On August 7^th, two acclaimed musicians, solo cellist Karen Kaderavek and Scott Woolweaver, principal violist of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra, volunteered their time and performed in the historic Anglican Church of Abercorn. The recital, named Strings for Ukraine, was also attended by two members of the newly arrived Ukrainian families, who expressed their gratitude to all for their generosity. The “art” aspect of Music and Art for Ukrainian Refugees was represented by some magnificent examples of sculptures by world-renowned artist, David James in glass, stainless steel and granite exhibited both inside and outside the church.
The recital concluded in an emotional grand finale with a Ukrainian composition.
According to one participant: “It was such a moving moment to see so many people assembled for a cause which welcomes and helps refugees.”
To top it off, the afternoon included a Silent Auction, where participants were offered a glass of sparkling and refreshing wine inside Abercorn’s Town Hall, while they placed their bids. Mrs. MacCormack, full of ideas and energy, had collected products and crafts from generous residents and merchants in and around Sutton and beyond. They included baskets of gourmet products from Montreal and Sutton, books offered by Brome Lake Books as well as a patchwork handbag, a shawl in silk and merino wool hand-made by a weaver in San Antonio, Texas and a seascape painted earlier this year of Ireland’s West coast by a recognized Irish artist.
And of course, several people simply made cash donations for the cause, to bring the total to almost $7000 for the afternoon.
Our thanks go to Mrs. MacCormack for gathering such a large number of donors, volunteers and organizations for this moving event. It goes to show that anything is possible with the community spirit of our region and its citizens!