Moray concert at Universal Hall in Findhorn raises £5k for Ukraine
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Hearts Around Ukraine has succeeded in raising more than £5000 – with donations still coming in following the sell-our concert at Findhorn's Universal Hall.
The cash is being split between Dr David Nott, a surgeon carrying out surgery in the warzone, and the efforts to resettle Ukranian refugees here in Moray.
Madge Bray, a member of the Bukhari choir which presented the evening at the end of June, stated the feedback had been overwhelmingly positive.
She said: "One of the most touching moments for me was when Sveta, a design engineer who fled to Moray with her little girl, spontaneously approached the stage.
"On behalf of her country Sveta first thanked the audience for their help and support.
"Then, as Allan Macdonald played the Ukranian national anthem on the bagpipes, she joined the singing.
"There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
"Scotland is known worldwide for hospitality and welcoming strangers. Lets hope this is only just the beginning."
Other performers included Georgian singer Nana Mzhavanadze and Māori cultural practitioner Timoti Bramley, plus the Forres Big Choir and the male voice choir Sounds Deep.
Choir leader Bill Henderson said: "Magic can be created by community singing.
"Not only does it build communities and celebrate coming together, it also transforms hearts and minds."
Ecologia Youth Trust provided charity back-up for the concert's fundraising.
Liza Hollingshead, its founder, said: "We were delighted to support this outstanding event which galvanised hearts and minds and moved people deeply."
Another contributor to the evening was Giorgi Iverieli , from the Georgian community in Glasgow who came en masse to support Ukraine.
He said: "We know what it feels like to suffer hardship and invasion of our country by Russia. We love Scotland and are so grateful to live here in peace and contribute what we can to life in our adopted country.
Amongst the audience was Forres resident Gelda MacGregor.
She said: "I've attended many events in the Universal Hall over the last 30 years, but this ranks as the most uplifting."
Any local singers who would like to join a choir can email billhendersonmusic@gmail.com."
Watch the concert below:
Donate at bit.ly/3d5aiyg
