A popular concert venue in London’s Old East Village is putting together a show to raise funds for the more than 1.5 million people forced to flee Ukraine and those still trapped in the country.
Aeolian Hall has announced it will hold a Concert for Peace benefit at 7 p.m. on March 24. All of the money raised through the show at 795 Dundas Street will be donated to the International Red Cross.
“Peace and stability are pillars of a healthy society. During these unprecedented times, it is imperative that the global community assists at every opportunity,” Clark Bryan, the venue’s executive and artistic director, said in a statement on Tuesday. “The Aeolian stands with those affected by the war in Ukraine. We hope that this event and others like it worldwide, draws attention to injustices of war and provides much needed aid to those who need it most.”
While a formal line-up has not yet been released, the Aeolian stated the show will feature performances by musicians and artists and include a celebration of Ukrainian art and culture.
Donations will be accepted online as part of the ticketing process at www.aeolianhall.ca/events/ukraine or in-person at the Aeolian Box Office.
It was 13 days ago Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The unprovoked attack led nearly two million Ukrainians to leave the country, many with only what they could carry. Those left behind are in need of food, water, and medical supplies. The London Ukrainian Centre has been collecting donated items at its location on 247 Adelaide Street South as part of the humanitarian aid mission for roughly a week.
Canada has the third largest population of Ukrainians in the world, surpassed by only Ukraine and Russia.