Solutions to win: Ukrainian community in Germany hosts second Borscht Festival to raise funds for ambulance in Donetsk region
Photo: Marianna Karabut
The Ukrainian community of Trier (Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany) and Ukrainian-German associations held the second charity Borscht Festival.
Ukrinform reports this.
At the event, guests were immersed in Ukraine's rich cultural and culinary traditions while contributing to the fundraising efforts for an ambulance at the stabilization point in Lyman, located in the Donetsk region.
Photo: Marianna Karabut
Trier, a popular Christmas destination near France and Luxembourg, attracts not only Germans and Ukrainians but also a large number of Luxembourgers and French visitors.
In just two days, nearly 400 liters of 12 different types of borscht were purchased at a central square in Trier, including unique variations like borscht with strawberries, fish, prunes, sorrel, cherries, baked ribs in bread, and even a kosher option.
Photo: Marianna Karabut
For a charitable contribution, you could also taste various dumplings, jellied meat, and authentic dishes – Avdiivska porridge, shpundra, baked lazy cabbage, mannyky, and traditional kutia.
"This year, our goal was to raise 12,000 euros for the ambulance service, and according to preliminary data, we almost succeeded. The festival lasted two full days, so now we need to calculate everything and find support to fill the ambulance with all the necessary medications and equipment," Anna Zorinova, the festival organizer and head of the Ukrainians in Trier NGO, said.
Photo: Marianna Karabut
According to her, this year's festival audience has expanded significantly, quantitatively and geographically.
"If last year we were visited by about two thousand people, mostly Ukrainians whom Germany temporarily sheltered, this year more than half were Germans, French, Luxembourgers, and in total it is already over 3,000 people," she emphasized.
Bundestag member Verena Hubertz, who supported the event, said that it was the most delicious festival and an opportunity to taste several varieties of the most famous Ukrainian dish and get acquainted with other Ukrainian traditions.
Photo: Marianna Karabut
"I really hope that we will be able to meet like this every year! Because we are doing a great job, we help people who defend Ukraine, who fight for the right to be a free people, who protect human rights to life!" she emphasized.
Together with Hubertz and local government officials, the festival was also opened by the Consul General of Ukraine in Frankfurt, Taras Zholubak.
Photo: Marianna Karabut
"Ukrainians are steadfast and united. And here, everyone can see it. Together, we are one; regardless of geographical location, we work for victory. And we are a very hospitable people, so our German friends will be able to feel what the Ukrainian soul and our traditions are today," the consul said.
German organizations supporting Ukraine and Ukrainian associations from other cities participated in the festival.
Photo: Marianna Karabut
Photo: Marianna Karabut
