Last Saturday in Norwood, Massachusetts, the annual Winter Ball Boston Malanka 2025 took place, once again gathering the Ukrainian community of New England and its friends. The evening turned out to be not only festive but also exceptionally effective in its charitable mission. This year, the organizers managed to raise over $53 thousand for tactical medical equipment for Ukrainian defenders, far exceeding the initial goal of $35 thousand.
This was reported by the event organizer Ukraine Forward.
"On behalf of Ukraine Forward, we sincerely thank you for your presence and support at Boston Malanka 2025. Thanks to your generosity, we exceeded our fundraising goal, enabling us to purchase even more tactical medical supplies for those on the front lines. Boston Malanka is much more than a winter ball or a charity event—it is an important traditional gathering that unites the community and inspires us to continue sending crucial aid to the defenders of Ukraine," the organizers stated.
One of the highlights of the event was the theatrical performance "Malanka"—a show featuring the traditional "leading the goat" ritual, symbolizing abundance and prosperity. Guests enjoyed an exquisite dinner, traditional dance festivities, and live music by the band Anna-Maria from New York. In addition to the entertainment program, both a silent and a live charity auction took place, which also helped to increase the total funds raised.
Organizations Ukraine Forward and the Ukrainian American Educational Center of Boston (UAEC) have, since 2022, transferred over $2.1 million to Ukraine for the purchase of medical equipment and supplies.
Specifically, the funds raised at Boston Malanka 2025 will be directed toward purchasing individual first aid kits (IFAKs), tourniquets, and litters for evacuating the wounded.
Last year, thanks to community support, it was possible to purchase 450 IFAK kits and 105 additional replenishment sets for IFAKs, also surpassing the initial goal.
Author: Inna Mikhno