MODELS TAKE TO THE CATWALK TO SUPPORT UKRAINE

Some 'heavenly' items were modelled during a fashion show presented by St. James Anglican Church in Carleton Place.

On May 11, Fashion for Flights raised $1,250 for Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada (UADSC). The federally registered Canadian not-for-profit organization, started by local residents Zack Nethery and Mary Mokrushyna, assists and supports Ukrainians displaced by war.

Devastation has swept across Ukraine since Feb. 24, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to invade the country, with millions of people fleeing their homes.

Initially, UADSC was formed to bring Mokrushyna's mother and two siblings to Carleton Place from Ukraine. Mokrushyna lived in Ukraine most of her life and moved to Canada in 2018 for school.

"The goal now is to help as many people in Europe who are displaced by war," Nethery stated before the start of the fashion show.

This is done by way of rehoming and resettling fleeing Ukrainians with willing Canadian families, assisting in their visa applications, finding them free or low-cost services and funding their travel.

"The money raised tonight is going to bring more people to communities across Canada and get them out of the conflict area," Nethery said. "Thank you!"

For each person to come over, the organization allots $1,500. Airfare is around $1,300 and if the individual is not vaccinated against COVID-19 it is $120 for a test at the airport to allow them to get on the plane. Also, there is money for food if there is a layover.

To date, 78 Ukrainians have been rehomed, with

the majority staying in the Ottawa Valley; however, families have gone to Montreal, Edmonton, Vancouver Island and Halifax.

Fashion for Flights' MC was local Coun. Linda Seccaspina.

"Tonight, we are doing something big clothing companies and designers do not do: have a fashion with things already loved and given a second chance to be loved," she noted. "Fashions donated by our community for our new Ukrainian friends coming to Canada."

Seccaspina applauded the ladies of St. James Anglican Church, including Flora Neave and Brenda Adam, for making the evening possible.

"Flora loves fashion," The Venerable Brian Kauk told the Canadian Gazette. "And what we are doing here tonight could result in another flight."

More than a month again, after seeing the living room of Nethery and Mokrushyna on the news, which was full of donations from the community for incoming Ukrainians, "I thought they are drowning in stuff," he said.

"I cannot do what they are doing, but I can get the stuff out of their living room," Kauk continued. "So, I checked with my church leaders ... we offered our church's quiet room for storage."

St. James Anglican Church continues to receive donations of quality clothing, personal items and baby gear for UADSC. No furniture or household items (kettles, dishes, bedding, etc.) will be accepted.

"Because everyone arriving is living with someone, they do not need to set up an apartment yet," Kauk explained.

The church was quickly swamped with items, so they have now expanded to three rooms, which includes a boutique.

"My wife Brenda runs the boutique, coming in and meeting people for appointments," Kauk highlighted.

Most Ukrainians arrive with a single suitcase, but by way of the boutique, "not only are there quality items they can take and

wear, but they get to choose them," Nethery pointed out. "Too many choices have already been robbed from them."

Adults and youth walked in the fashion show, including a few Ukrainian newcomers. They also assisted with hair and makeup and baking and serving refreshments.

"We were two young people who needed help," Mokrushyna said. "Thank you so much to Brian, Brenda, Flora, Linda and many others ... thank you for organizing a beautiful event."

People who wish to donate

to UADSC can write a cheque to Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada, sending it to 193 Morris St., Carleton Place, Ont., K7C 4M8. UADSC can also accept e-Transfers at zack@uadsc.org.

STORY BEHIND THE STORY: For weeks, St. James Anglican Church in Carleton Place has accepted donations of clothing and other items for Ukrainian Diaspora Support Canada. Reporter Tara Gesner got a front-row 'pew' as the church hosted a fashion show with the items donated by the community.