Yonkers Ukrainian Heritage Festival raises money for country amid war
The annual festival celebrating their heritage and culture has become increasingly popular over the past few years.
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The Ukrainian Heritage Festival kicked off in Yonkers on Friday to raise money for the country amid the ongoing war.
Yonkers is home to one of the largest Ukrainian populations in Westchester. The annual festival celebrating their heritage and culture has become increasingly popular over the past few years.
Organizers say all net profits from the event will be donated and used for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Organizers say upwards of $100,000 could be raised this year. Over $130,000 was raised during last year’s event.
Event chairman Michael Tomaszewsky says lending a hand is second nature for Ukrainian people.
"Part of the Ukrainian way of life and tradition is helping and working together. Now they've passed the baton onto us, and we need to keep it moving,” he said.
Dr. Orest Kozicky, a member of the festival’s executive committee, says the event is personal to him. His cousin, petroleum engineer Uri Fedorco, was killed in Ukraine this past December.
"The troops called in and said they were under attack, we need fuel right now to save lives and make this a battle. So, he made a delivery, and a sniper killed him,” he said.
Kozicky says his late cousin’s two sons are still fighting on the front lines.
Attendee Marana Nosal says members of her family are still in Ukraine.
“It’s very emotional, especially when you hear bad news,” she said. "They're on the west side, in the more safe place, but still nowadays, it's everywhere. there's no safe place in Ukraine right now."
The event is scheduled to continue on Saturday and Sunday.
