On March 25, our foundation took part in the Ukrainian creative fair i am u are in New York. The event also included a charity auction where we presented a unique vase created by the Ukrainian brand YAKUSH. The purpose of the auction was to draw attention to the GIDNA project of psychological assistance for women who have experienced violence, as well as to raise funds for our initiative development.
I am u are is the Ukrainian Creators Fair, founded by Anna Pagava, founder of GOGŌLA agency, and Kristina Skripka, a hospitality expert from Ukraine. The event aimed to tell more about Ukraine and dispel stereotypes associated with Ukrainian culture.
The unique Venus vase that we presented at i am u are charity auction was created by the YAKUSH brand. According to the brand's designers, the collection of vases is entirely dedicated to a woman who symbolizes strength, determination, fearlessness, and at the same time tenderness, motherhood, affection, and love. Each vase is presented in a single copy and has a unique color. It symbolizes the uniqueness of a woman and her individuality.
This lot was purchased for $5,000 by a man named Michael Parker, a true supporter of Ukraine who upholds initiatives aimed at helping war victims. Michael purchased another item from the Ukrainian brand GUNIA for $15,000, a vase signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska, which was auctioned to raise funds for the rebuilding of schools in Chernihiv.
The proceeds from the sale of the Venus vase will go to the development of our GIDNA project, which provides women who have experienced sexual violence by the russian military with qualified psychological assistance. The $5000 that was used to purchase the vase will help provide counseling to women free of charge, and psychotherapists will be able to undergo supervision, which is crucial for working with the trauma of sexual violence.
Speaking at i am u are, Olena Nikolayenko, Head of the Board of FFU Poland, volunteer curator of strategy and development at FFU Ukraine, thanked everyone who supports the foundation.
"Each of us can change the lives of these women. We can lend them a helping hand by becoming part of our program. For them, we have created a safe space where the world is stable, and there is a feeling that life goes on, a space where there is an understanding of the future," emphasized Olena Nikolayenko.
Anyone can support the GIDNA project by donating any amount of money on the Future for Ukraine website in the "Cases" section.
