This past march has been a hard one. The war in Ukraine has been an unexpected tragedy for those living in Ukraine and an emotional blow for everyone all over the globe. More than 1 million people have fled, seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
In the days since Russia launched a military offensive in Ukraine, the world has seen the photographs of women giving birth in underground metro stations and newborns hastily being moved to makeshift bomb shelters as health facilities become inaccessible or too damaged to function. An estimated 80,000 women will give birth in the next three months in Ukraine – many of them without access to critical maternal health care. For some, childbirth will be a life-threatening rather than a life-changing experience.
The team at Shelley Klassen felt compelled to do something to help the people going through this dangerous and painful time. Throughout the month of March, Shelley Klassen and the team have organized a fundraiser focused on aiding pregnant women and their children in Ukraine through the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). The UNFPA's mission is to deliver a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe and every young person's potential is fulfilled. To learn more about UNFPA click here.
Shelley Klassen has donated $100 from every Sarah Wrap Dress sold during the month of March. Additionally, the Fashion Fundraiser Event was held on March 31 where we donated an additional 10% of all items sold that evening at the fundraiser. Over the course of the month we raised over $2000 to donate to UNFPA by either designs purchased or monetary donations. We want to send out many heartfelt thanks to all those who helped us reach our goal to donate to the UNFPA. We are positive that this will make a difference in people's lives in Ukraine. Even the smallest amount of kindness and giving is never lost in this world.
A special thanks to our venders for their participation and contributions to the raffle prizes: Jules from JFG Jewelry Designs, Pam from Street Cat Earring Designs, Liis from Arbonne, Eli for Tarot, Denise from Bronsino, Celebrity Dj Alexis, and Coreena for photography.