In January of 2020, the Ukrainian American community came together for Malanka, a benefit event to raise money for hospitalized Ukrainian soldiers at the Lviv Military Hospital. Even though Pittsburgh Ukrainians were not physically in Ukraine, they wanted to find a way to help those fighting for the freedom of their motherland. With continuous efforts from the Ukrainian American community of Pittsburgh, this event was a huge success with the largest turnout in its history.
All proceeds from the benefit event went to a select group of wounded Ukrainian soldiers. Each soldier was given money with the assistance of Lviv Military Hospital Chaplain Myron Horboviy to be used for their medical expenses and livelihood. These soldiers fighting for Ukraine’s freedom are facing critical injuries and many of them have families and children to support. They are very grateful for the charitable donations of the Ukrainian American community in this difficult time (their thank you letters are attached above).
Even though the Malanka event itself was immensely fun with delicious food and fun Ukrainian music, the best part of the event was that it allowed the Pittsburgh Ukrainian community to help their fellow Ukrainians. If anyone wishes to make a charitable donation to support this cause, donations can be sent to: Ukrainian Technological Society, P.O. Box 4277, Pittsburgh, PA 15203.
— Written by Sofiya Bidochko
