Friend of Wittenborg Family Initiates Concert for Ukraine

24.03.2023

A show of support for a shared future

On Saturday 25 February, the Concert for Ukraine was held at the Julianakerk in Apeldoorn. The event was a tribute to the victims of the year-long, devastating war in Ukraine, as well as a show of support for a shared future. Initiated by friend of the Wittenborg family Simon Boon on behalf of the Gelre Association International, it was a touching and moving experience that brought people together through the universal language of music.

With a total of €3,514.50 collected in donations, the concert was deemed a great success. It was clear that the soul of the event moved and touched everyone who attended. This event was an opportunity for people to come together and create a better foundation for a sustainable future.

“In a world where destruction and evil run rampant, it is essential to stand together with respect, interest and attention,” says Simon Boon. “Music, art and culture are powerful tools in this fight. Courage, resistance, hope, partnership and friendship are what will ultimately win.”

Following the concert, a meeting was held with representatives from the Ukrainian embassy, Gelderland province, Apeldoorn municipality and civil society organisations. They discussed ways to help Ukrainians in Ukraine, including the need for sufficient sorting and storage space for goods. The municipality of Apeldoorn and the province of Gelderland committed to addressing this issue.

This concert was made possible through the efforts of many individuals and organisations, including the Ukrainian Embassy, the Province of Gelderland, Deputy Peter van 't Hoog, Manager Intensifying Climate Action at Provincie Gelderland Reindert Augustijn, the Municipality of Apeldoorn, Deputy Mayor, Alderman Marco Wenzkowski, the Julianakerk, Bert Langendijk and volunteers, St. WHOE, the concert participants and charities, Young Future and SDD. Admission to the concert was free, and all donations collected were allocated to various relief actions. It was an activity related to Gelre Partners, a project that aims to bring people together through art and culture.

The Concert for Ukraine was a beautiful tribute to the victims of the war and a show of support for a shared future. The event highlighted the power of music, art and culture in promoting change. It was an opportunity for people to come together and create a better world.