In Sheffield, Massachusetts, a charity event titled “Borscht for Ukraine” took place in March, organized by siblings Alicia and Jorge Szendiuch together with Maura O’Melia-Szendiuch. More than 100 neighbors gathered at Dewey Hall to share a meal, express solidarity with Ukraine, and support the winter relief campaign of Razom for Ukraine. Although the fundraiser will continue through the end of April, over $28,000 has already been raised and directed toward essential resources for Ukrainians after the harsh winter months of the war.
This was reported by the Razom for Ukraine and the local outlet The Berkshire Edge.
“We in Sheffield and the Berkshire community can do our part to reduce the impact of the war on the most vulnerable civilians—by helping provide life-saving support on the ground, sustaining communities, and strengthening public advocacy,” Jorge told The Berkshire Edge.
The organizers’ parents were born in Ukraine and emigrated to Argentina in 1926. The family later moved to the United States in 1963, settling in a Ukrainian community near Hartford, Connecticut. Like many Ukrainians, they preserved their language, culture, and traditions. In 2010, the family relocated to the Berkshires. One of the traditions they have maintained is the art of Ukrainian borscht, making this national dish a central feature of many charity events supporting Ukraine. This was their fifth Ukrainian-themed fundraiser and the first they organized independently since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
On Sunday, March 1, more than 120 people gathered at Dewey Hall to support Razom for Ukraine’s winter campaign and raise awareness of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Guests were served hot borscht in two versions—vegetarian and with oxtail—along with Ukrainian farmers’ rye bread and traditional Eastern European desserts.
During the event, Razom for Ukraine representative Gideon Aronoff spoke about the situation in Ukraine, emphasizing the urgent need for shelter, heat, food, and electricity.
“By coming together at Dewey Hall, the people of Sheffield expressed profound solidarity with Ukrainian communities under bombardment thousands of miles away,” Razom for Ukraine leaders noted after the event.
According to the organizers, the funds raised will help provide vulnerable people across Ukraine with generators, power banks, batteries, and other essential survival supplies. They stressed that this effort is not only about sustaining resilience but also about preserving dignity, agency, and the ability of Ukrainians to endure even in the darkest times.
Ukrainian borscht received enthusiastic feedback from attendees. Jorge shared that he used a recipe by Ukrainian chef and food writer Olia Hercules.
“Together, this event raised more than $28,000 for Razom for Ukraine’s winter relief campaign. These funds are already at work on the ground, helping Ukrainians recover after the most difficult winter months of the war—providing emergency aid and essential resources… It is a powerful reminder: when we unite, we create a chain of resilience that cannot be broken. To the Szendiuch family and everyone in the Berkshires who contributed—thank you,” Razom for Ukraine added.
Фото: Lee Buttalla
Author: Inna Mikhno