RESISTANCE: $18,000 Raised in One Night of Music, Art, and Solidarity
On March 28, 2025, St. Volodymyr Institute was transformed into a one-night-only speakeasy for RESISTANCE: A Speakeasy in Support of Women in Ukraine. What began as an idea between friends grew into a packed, electrifying evening of music, dancing, art, and community power. Together, we raised $18,000 CAD in support of urgent grassroots initiatives in Ukraine.
As a proud sponsor of RESISTANCE, St. Volodymyr Institute was honoured to provide the space, staff support, and additional resources to help bring this initiative to life. We’re committed to supporting grassroots efforts that uplift Ukrainian voices and mobilize our community. It’s important to us to share our platform in ways that reflect the creativity, care, and power found in these kinds of gatherings.
The post below was written by Women for Ukrainian Solidarity / O-Peer, the organizing collective behind this powerful evening of art, music, and action.
What We Funded:
Thanks to our attendees, donors, sponsors, and silent auction supporters, the funds raised will directly support the following:
$14,000 to a women’s shelter in western Ukraine, housing over 25 women and families who fled Russian-occupied territories. These funds will go toward:
Constructing a second-floor bathroom
Electrical system repairs
A new water heating system
Solar panels for energy independence
Ongoing psychological support for residents
$3,400 to Sadovskyj Activ, an organization evacuating civilians from the Kherson oblast—one of the regions most impacted by Russian occupation.
$1,500 to the Democracy Development Fund, supporting site visits and local coordination to ensure transparency and sustainability of these initiatives.
A Night of Community and Resistance
Over 150 guests filled the halls of SVI to celebrate Ukrainian culture, uplift women-led organizing, and contribute to meaningful change. The night featured live performances from:
Swamperella – Canada’s own Cajun/Zydeco dance band
Tymish Koznarsky Jazz Quartet – Toronto’s rising jazz talent
Sing With Ukraine – A grassroots vocal group formed in the early days of the full-scale invasion
Guests also enjoyed traditional Ukrainian food, themed Molotov cocktails, fortune-telling, and a silent auction featuring art, jewelry, books, and handmade goods donated by local creators.
Thank You to Our Donors & Supporters
We extend heartfelt thanks to all our silent auction donors whose contributions made the night unforgettable. From hand-painted illustrations to beaded earrings, your generosity brought creativity and purpose together in one beautiful space.
To our event sponsors, your support made RESISTANCE possible. You helped us not only cover costs, but ensure that 100% of ticket sales and auction revenue could go directly to the causes we care about.
Built by Women for Ukrainian Solidarity
RESISTANCE was organized by a grassroots collective of students, educators, and artists in Toronto under the banner of Women for Ukrainian Solidarity / O-Peer. It was our honour to stand together, build something meaningful, and witness the power of community in action.
We also created a resource booklet highlighting Ukrainian organizations led by or focused on supporting women. From shelters and mental health services to humanitarian aid and evacuation support, these are grassroots efforts making an impact on the ground. You can find this booklet alongside other zines in our library.
Want to get involved or have an idea for a future event?
Reach out to us at womenforua@gmail.com
We hope this is just the beginning!
