Charity auction in New York fundraises for Ukrainian survivors of sexual violence by russian soldiers

Ukrainian-organized fair "I am u are" in New York held a charity auction where initiators sold a unique vase by the Ukrainian brand YAKUSH. Proceeds will be directed to developing the GIDNA project to help survivors of sexual violence by russian soldiers.

Rubryka reports that anyone can support the GIDNA project by donating any amount on the Future for Ukraine website in the Cases section and Gidna website.

What is the problem?

In the occupied territories of Ukraine, russian troops committed sexual violence against women, men, and children. Evidence suggests that russian forces have used sexual crimes as a weapon of war.

What is the solution?

The Future for Ukraine Fund took part in the Ukrainian fair of creative people, "I am u are," held in New York. A unique vase created by the Ukrainian brand YAKUSH was presented at the FFU charity auction. Proceeds from the sale will be directed to developing and supporting the project of psychological assistance for women who have survived sexual violence, called GIDNA.

How does it work?

The Future for Ukraine fund works in various directions to help Ukrainians overcome the consequences of the war. The scale of events in which the organization participates is growing. So, on March 25, representatives of the foundation visited the fair in New York, which was joined online by President Volodymyr Zelensky and other representatives of the Ukrainian authorities.

I am u are is a Ukrainian fair of creative people founded by Anna Pahava, the founder of the GOGŌLA agency, and Khrystyna Skrypka, a Ukrainian hospitality expert. This year, guests at the event saw more than 100 cultural, technological, and fashion projects of Ukrainian creators created during the full-scale war. Most of the exhibits were put up for sale.

The event aims to expand the opportunities of the Ukrainian creative economy and overcome the stereotypes regarding Ukrainian culture. As the organizers note, creating such an event is another way to tell more about Ukraine, which appears in world news every day, but foreigners still know so little about it.

A charity auction was also held as part of the event, at which the Future for Ukraine fund presented a unique "Venus" vase created by the YAKUSH brand. She reproduces the physical and moral strength of a Ukrainian woman.

"Our new collection is about a woman — about a symbol of strength, determination, tenderness, motherhood, grace, love, and passion. About every Ukrainian woman who, over the difficult past year, has shown her fearlessness and endurance while maintaining her fragility and grace," says YAKUSH.

Each such vase is presented in a single copy and has a unique color. It symbolizes the uniqueness of a woman and her individuality.

This lot was purchased for $5,000 by a man named Michael Parker, who emphasized that he loves Ukraine very much, so he actively supports initiatives aimed at helping victims of the war. By the way, Michael also bought another lot of the Ukrainian brand GUNIA for $15,000 — a vase with the signature of President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska. Michael Parker's funds will be used to rebuild schools in war-torn Chernihiv.

In turn, proceeds from the "Venus" vase will go to developing the GIDNA project, within which women who have experienced sexual violence at the hands of the russian military receive qualified psychological assistance. It is provided by psychotherapists who have received training from specialists of the Israeli Trauma Coalition and specialize in working with the trauma of violence. The GIDNA project needs financial support for women to receive free consultations and for psychotherapists to undergo supervision. $5000, for which the vase was purchased, will help cover seven women's need for psychological counseling.

Speaking at I am u are, Olena Nikolaienko, Chair of the Council of FFU Poland, volunteer curator of strategy and development of FFU Ukraine, said:

"Each of us can change the lives of these women. Give them a helping hand by becoming part of our program. For them, we have created a safe space where the world is stable and there is a sense that life goes on, a space where they have an understanding of the future. Today's lot is a vase Venus, created in collaboration with the YAKUSH brand, as the personification of a woman's strength, sexuality, and fragility. She is created in a single copy, which is a reminder that no two women are alike. I want to take the opportunity to sincerely thank everyone, thank you America, and everyone who supports Ukraine."