Rocking for Ukraine: Cape Breton concert raises funds to help a country at war
A benefit concert for Ukraine kicked off Sunday in Whitney Pier, N.S.
The event is being held in a maritime community where Ukrainian culture and connections run deep.
“Today we're presenting a cheque of $10,000 to the Ukrainian Catholic Men's club in Sydney,” said John Ryan, the president of Kiwanis of Cape Breton Golden K.
The soothing sounds of Hearts of Kin kicked off a day and evening of music, with the hopes of raising funds for fellow families and friends in Ukraine.
“We're all a part of the community. We all live in the community and we see how the crisis in Ukraine affects people there, and the families here in Sydney, Cape Breton,” said Ryan.
Rocking for Ukraine was organized by Sydney lawyer, Steve Melnick.
Not knowing what he was getting into, he says he knew something needed to be done to support the Ukrainian population here in Whitney Pier.
“Well initially I was hoping to raise $5,000 and then as things started to happen I said I might make ten and we just did that, so I’m think I’ll be getting close to $20,000,” said Melnick .
He says money raised will be sent to Ukraine to help the people and organizations in need.
Adding he's hoping Russian President Vladimir Putin will be stopped soon.
“He's hurting innocent children, women. War is one thing, but incidentally bombing civilians. He needs to be stopped, and not tomorrow, today.”
Father Roman Dusanowskyj has family in western Ukraine, and up until now have not been in danger.
“I'm worried about everyone. It's too easy to say I just worry about my family. I'm worried about the people that have already had their lives turned upside down,” said Dusanowskyj.
The fundraising concert is sold-out and wraps up late Sunday evening.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Iran fires air defence batteries in provinces as sound of explosions heard near Isfahan
Iran fired air defence batteries early Friday morning after reports of explosions near the city of Isfahan, the state-run IRNA news agency reported.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.