The Ashland-Sviatohirsk Aid Project will be having a “Friends for Ukraine” benefit event on Saturday April 18, 2026, to increase awareness of Ashland’s sister city Sviatohirsk, Oregon’s connections with the people of Ukraine, and the impact the work of Oregonians has on them. An Oregon-based group of Ukrainian artists, activists, and friends will create an entertaining and informative afternoon. Join us at the Rogue Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship for engaging panels, fun interactive activities, and entertaining music provided by local cellist Lisa Truelove, Ukrainian pianist Iryna Kudielina, and the Ukrainian folk singing ensemble Kalynonka.

Following opening welcome videos from Senator Merkley and Senator Wyden, Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham will share a video about her visit to Kyiv, Ukraine last June. A new video by Ben Stott, “Voices From Ukraine”, will be premiered. And fifteen panelists based in Oregon and Ashland will share their work in various places in Ukraine through short videos and photos. Their presentations will describe the impact of their work on the Ukrainian people they serve, as well as how this work has transformed the panelists’ own lives.

The Benefit event will be taking place at the Rogue Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 87 Fourth Street in Ashland, Oregon. Doors will open at 12:30pm, with Ukrainian arts and crafts on sale, as well as a tag sale. The program itself will start at 1:00 pm and run until 4:00 pm. Ukrainian take-away food will be available for sale toward the end of the event. Tickets are on sale online at Booktix, and will also be available at the door. General admission tickets are $15 and student tickets are $10, children 12 and under can get in for free.