CONCORD, N.C. — A brewery in Concord brought charities, organizations, and community members together through a fundraiser aiming to raise money and hope for Ukraine.
Charlotte-based charities Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and Blue Team International partnered with Cabarrus Brewing and launched a fundraiser Saturday called “Ambulances for Ukraine”. The goal is to raise $30,000 to provide five medical evacuation vehicles for medics in Ukraine.
Dave Kovalchick works with Cabarrus Brewing and serves as president of Blue Team International. Last year, he spent time helping those in need in Ukraine. Now he’s continuing his mission through the fundraiser.
"One of the best things you can deliver those people's hope," he said.
Talia Rassaezdina has family in Ukraine and feels she is doing her part by taking part in fundraisers like this.
“Whenever I post pictures or show something to my family, they really appreciate it," she said. "They see that we never forget about them. And that's important because they are in trouble. And that's how we show that we care.”
Organizers hope the message sent to Ukraine is that support is strong in North Carolina.
"That support is very important for us to come together and do this event," said Kovalchick. "It will do something that we feel we can impact, and when we do come together we can make a difference.”
The high-mobility trucks would go to the hardest-hit areas of the war and enable emergency personnel to reach tough-terrain areas. There is currently a lack of ambulances with these capabilities, like long beds and first aid supplies, which hampers transport for critically injured patients.
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Contact Myles Harris at mharris5@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.