Concert in aid of Ukraine orphans
Chance for refugees to make new friends
A Livingston man has organised a special concert – with all proceeds going to Ukrainian orphans in Scotland.
Peter Adams set up the concert to host a networking event for Ukrainian refugees arriving in West Lothian – believing that it would help them connect with fellow refugees as more Ukrainians arrive in the Lothians every week.
The concert will take place in the West Kirk of Calder in West Calder tomorrow (Friday, June 17).
Entry is free to Ukrainians (who will also receive a gift), and costs £10 for adults and £5 for children.
Organiser of the event and retired Royal Navy captain, Peter said: “I originally set up the event to help support Dnipro orphans.
“But once I saw the amount of Ukrainians coming into West Lothian, I that thought it would be great to put an event on for them at the same time.
“I’ve always worked with young people and supported youth charities, so I was particularly affected by the story of the Dnipro orphans.
“Every generation has to support the one that’s coming next.
“I want Ukrainians to be able to come to the concert if it can give them any comfort at all.
“I really hope, if even just for a while, they’re able to leave their worries at the door.
“I want the Ukrainians to be able to befriend people in the West Lothian community so that people can support them with things like forms.
“It’s hard to understand how difficult it must be for them in this situation, but I don’t want them to be alone in this.” All proceeds from the event will go to the charity Dnipro Kids which is supporting Ukrainian orphans. So far more than 150 tickets have been sold.
The young refugees arrived when long-standing Scottish charity Dnipro kids – founded by Hibernian FC fans – evacuated the orphans from Ukraine to Poland, before facilitating their arrival in Scotland.
The Dnipro orphans then settled in Callander for a month before moving on to Edinburgh.
The concert is set to be attended by the newly-elected provost of West Lothian, Cathy Muldoon, as well as Angela Constance MSP and the deputy Lord Lieutenant, Rev John Povey.
A 22-year-old Ukrainian cellist, Kateryna Tunina, will play in the concert alongside West Lothian
star Amy Hawthorne who rubbed shoulders with Sir Tom Jones when she took part as a contestant on hit TV talent show The Voice.
Other local musicians will also take part in the concert, whether that be singing solo, in duets, or playing an instrument in what promises to be an emotional night complete with fantastic music.
A clothes bank will also be present at the Kirk in West Calder for attendees to donate clothes to help refugees in need.
Tickets are available to buy from Stewart MacRae on 0773 285 7777.
I want the Ukrainians to be able to befriend people in West Lothian