A charity auction dedicated to the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was held in the House of Scientists

On December 5, 2023, a charity auction dedicated to the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was held at the House of Scientists as part of the project “Thank You, Defender”. The event was organized by the Center for Social Development and Public Initiatives of Ivan Franko National University of Lviv and the Primary Trade Union Organization of Students. The purpose of the auction was to raise funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, namely for the needs of the 2nd Separate Galician Brigade. The event brought together students, military personnel, well-known Ukrainian musicians, and art lovers.

The event was opened by Volodymyr Kachmar, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Social Affairs and Development. “Today we have gathered here on the eve of an important date – the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In the time of full-scale war, in the context of many serious crimes and barbaric acts of the aggressor, we perceive such dates differently – with special respect and deep understanding of the invaluable work of our defenders. It is thanks to the Armed Forces that we are still able to call ourselves Ukrainians and live, work, and study in a free country. It is with pride and gratitude that I recall the names of Lviv University students, staff, and graduates who joined the Armed Forces to protect the lives of each of us. We must do everything to make our soldiers feel our support, faith, and help,” Volodymyr Mykhailovych emphasized.

Mykola Spersenko, chairman of the Primary Trade Union Organization of Students, greeted the participants of the event. “The Ukrainian people are unconquerable and unbreakable, they have demonstrated to the whole world their readiness to fight for their freedom and dignity, and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are truly our newest heroes. The students of Lviv University who voluntarily went to defend the state, those who help with volunteer efforts in the rear, and those who study and do research in good faith to create the future of Ukraine with dignity, also contribute to the victory,” Mykola Speresenko said.

Later, Sergeant Maksym Perevyazko, commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, addressed the audience and noted that the Russian aggressor must be defeated both on the frontlines of the Russian-Ukrainian war and in the realm of culture, language, and traditions. After that, the soldier performed heartfelt and incendiary songs about the fight against the aggressor.

A real flurry of emotions was caused by the performance of the leader of the legendary band “Mary” Viktor Vynnyk. The audience sang “I am from Ukraine”, “Meridians” and other well-known songs together with the musician.

The charity auction included 9 paintings by students of the Lviv Higher Professional Art School, 2 paintings with elements of shrapnel fragments, and two paintings by Ukrainian art critic, restoration artist, and iconographer Lev Skop – an icon of Jesus Christ created on the front line on a board pierced with bullets and a painting “Warrior” painted on a box of shells.

The charity auction was attended by representatives of Lviv University’s academic community, artists, art lovers, and other guests.
The event ended with a performance by the band Midnight Colors.
In total, the organizers of the charity auction managed to raise UAH 16,835, which will be used for the needs of Ukrainian soldiers. However, not all lots were sold during the event, and bids for the most valuable ones are still open. Therefore, we invite you to follow the pages of the Students’ Trade Union to be able to compete for the opportunity to receive artworks and the Flag of Ukraine signed by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi and thus help the Armed Forces of Ukraine!

Press center