Ukrainian choir

Hi, my name is Helen Popova. I am part of the Ukrainian choir and the cultural group "Undefeated."

I’m looking to raise funds to purchase uniforms for the Ukrainian women’s choir “Kalyna” and cultural group “Undefeated”. We are looking to expand 1000 pounds.

Ukrainians in Winchester have broken a stereotypical image of a refugee. It portrays a refugee as a person who always needs and seeks help and support from others. They are not allowed to be financially independent and work, therefore totally relying on their sponsors and seldom taking the initiative.

But Ukrainians appeared to be different. Many start immediately, either seeking a job or just taking the one that comes along. We participate actively in weekly meetups, help each other, build a good rapport with locals, and have become a pivotal part of the Winchester community.

The Ukrainian choir and cultural group “Undefeated” attracted attention and became known and recognized in the cultural life in Winchester.

Despite being proactive, we remain refugees who lost their property, belongings, and families. Our lives have brutely interfered with, and we have been deprived of a familiar environment and fled Ukraine to move to a safer place.

We do need help and support. We want to continue performing in and around Winchester to promote Ukrainian culture and bridge the two cultures.

One of our goals is to thank the people of Winchester and local authorities for their unprecedented support.

We now ask for help buying Ukrainian national costumes for concerts and performances.