Ukrainian market stall raises thousands for charity

The stall, run by volunteers from the Salisbury Community Hub for Ukraine, sold homemade crafts, candles and cakes.

Available at the stall was a traditional Korovay bread baked especially for the event.

It is usually served at weddings to symbolise the unity of two hearts.

Amongst the other sweet treats available were traditional pierogis and Kyiv cakes.

With a team of 10 volunteers, Jane Ebel MBE helped organise the event in just three weeks and told the journal that it was a success "beyond our wildest dreams."

As well as food, live music was played throughout the day.

Traditional Ukrainian folk music was enjoyed by all, played on an instrument called a Bandura.

The stall was opened by a rendition of the National Anthem of Ukraine.

Another of the organisers, Oksana Prokopiv, explained how the market stall was a way for the refugees from the war in Ukraine to give something back to the people of Salisbury: "It is a way of saying thank you for the big support we have received."

She said that everything sold at the stall was homemade, and how the event, which included live music, injected "part of the Ukrainian soul" into the Salisbury market.

Some of the homemade gifts available at the stall included traditional Motanka dolls, a symbol of prosperity and hope in Ukraine.

Valeriy Melnik, who has lived in the UK for 15 years, said that the stall wasn't just there to sell cake and raise money but to "help refugees to integrate" with the locals.

He wants to remind everybody that "these people didn't choose to come here, but were forced to" he added that all of the refugees are "very grateful to the people of Salisbury" for being so accepting.

"I can't remember another time where the people of Britain did something so generous to help so many people", the stall was a way for the Ukrainian refugees to show their gratitude to the people of Salisbury and "give something back."

Yana Dorohova also helped to organise and market the event, her eight-month-old baby, David, was the first Ukrainian refugee baby to be born in the city. 

She said that the Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Tom Corbin was "a big help" with bringing the stall to life, working with the council to provide the gazebos it was held in.

She added "I do want it to happen again" saying that the event is "such a good way to share culture and gather people."

"The market is more lively with the live music - it brightens the day."