I’d like to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year, and all the best for 2016.
Here at the Dnipro Appeal we are looking forward to 2016 with some excitement. Fundraising-wise there will be a re-launch of the child sponsorship scheme in the early part of the year. This will be followed by a turnstile collection at the Hibs v Rangers game in March, and our Annual Charity Dinner around September time.
We’ve decided to try and fund two main trips for the family orphanages in 2016. The first, in the spring time, will be a two-day trip to Kharkiv (including a visit to the waterpark there). The second will be a four-day trip to the Podilski area of Ukraine, an area close to the Moldova/Romania border that’s famous for its interesting castles and amazing scenery.
If you’re in a position to help with the fundraising for these proposed excursions, either by donations or assisting with fundraising events, then we’d be very happy to hear from you.
Christmas Events in Dnipro
We had two main Christmas events for the family orphanages and the Topolinaya orphanage again this year.
Kyivstar Christmas Party
The first, on the 19th of December, was generously provided by Kyivstar at their main building in the city. Utilising their on-site auditorium, the company put on an excellent Christmas show for the kids.
It was a very entertaining show, with fairytales, singing and dancing. The kids really enjoyed it.
Small children were encouraged to come to the front of the stage, which was very exciting for them, and some were even brought up onto the stage to join in.
At the end of the show the theatre was bombarded by ticker-tape balloons, which had the kids jumping up and down in their seats.
All of the kids were then encouraged up on to the stage to mingle with the “stars” of the show, and to get their photos taken in the sets.
As a small Christmas gift we put together a bag of sweets for each of the kids.
(as well as an orange, as one of their five-a-day)
A nice end to a lovely Christmas event, and a big thank you to Dnipro Kids from the orphanages.
Grand Hotel Christmas Party
The second Christmas party was on the 25th of December, and a repeat of the last year’s amazing party, at the Grand Hotel in Dnipropetrovsk.
As the kids arrived they were ushered through the entrance by the hotel’s doormen, and met at the reception area by some of their favourite story characters. Elsa (from Frozen) was just one of the many characters that greeted the children as they arrived at this party.
Once inside the main hall the children were encouraged to visit the many themed areas of the hall, where they could meet their favourite characters, have their photos taken, or play one of the many interactive games that had been set up for them.
Also during the course of the day there were shows on the main stage.
And at the end of the last show on the main stage there was the things that the kids loved best…paper and balloons!
The kids could also visit Santa’s Grotto, where some small gifts were provided by Dnipro Kids.
And for the orphanage “parents” we presented each of them with a framed photo, as a souvenir of the memorable Dnipro Kids trip to Kiev.
(The Kiev trip can be viewed on the website)
Ukrainian Club – Burns Shevchenko Supper
If you’d like a Burn’s night with a difference, then why not get yourself along to the Burns Shevchenko Supper at Thomas Morton Hall on the 20th of February. A joint celebration of the lives of Scotland and Ukraine’s most recognised bards.
AUGB Edinburgh are proud to present the 9th annual Burns/Shevchenko Supper. However, this time, we’ve gone for a big one, and turned it into a Zabava with a Scottish twist!
Join us on Saturday 20th February between 6pm and 1am for what promises to be a fantastic night of Scottish and Ukrainian culture; words, music, & dance!
Entertainment will be provided by Orlyk dance group, plus Zabava music from the legendary Black Sea Cossacks, whilst there’ll be plenty of Scottish entertainment, including Burns speakers and a piper, with lots more to be announced!
All tickets cost £25 which includes a full meal and welcome drink and all your entertainment, and there’ll be a bar available on the night.
Videos On Website
We’ve put together a couple of videos, which can be viewed below.
The ten year anniversary video….
And our video tribute to Ira Polyashova.
Please Support Our Work
If you don’t make a monthly donation but would still like to contribute towards our fundraising efforts, please make an online donation.
Many thanks,
Steven Carr
Dnipro Kids Chairman
