Fundraising Auction and Dinner for Ukraine 

This was the second fundraising event organised by the Embassy. Mr Harvey attended the first one back in March and was so inspired that he suggested to organise an event for 150 people this time, instead of the initial 40 guests. 

“He understood the need and that this struggle – this war between right and wrong – will be a long one and is fought at every level. Every person matters, every support is needed. This is not something that only politicians or governments decide or tell what we need. This human catastrophe touches us all,” emphasised Estonian Ambassador Viljar Lubi after meeting Mr Harvey and agreeing to host the event.

Help was received at every level for the fundraiser to be a success. The three-course vegetarian dinner was provided by chef Yotam Ottolenghi, 10-year-old Kvitka, a war refugee from Ukraine performed a heart-breaking song I am Ukraine and a speech was delivered by UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat MBE MP.

This was followed by an auction led by Jonathan Pratt, known from BBC’s Flog It! and Bargain Hunt television programmes. Prizes included Ukrainian art, Estonian design, luxury breaks, a private piano concert and more. In all, the event raised £90,620. All proceeds will go to the President of Ukraine’s initiative UNITED24 to purchase medical and armoured evacuation transport for Ukraine. Thanks to everybody’s generous contribution and additional support from the Embassy of Ukraine on top of Estonian Embassy’s fund, the monies will be used to purchase two armoured ambulances worth £140,000.