WHO: UCARE, Inc. (Ukrainian Children’s Aid and Relief Effort, Inc.) a not-for-profit 501c3 that has been helping children in Ukraine since 1997.  UCARE mission is to help children in orphanages. Now due to the war, we are expanding the scope to help internally displaced children and children of soldiers. There are more than 2.5 million children that have been internally displaced in Ukraine. This is largest displacement of children since World War II.

WHAT:  Healing Through Art is a fashion show fundraiser in support of UCARE’s critical work.  The event will feature three Ukrainian fashion designers and their traditionally inspired Ukrainian designs.  The designers include:

• Olesya Hryn - L’viv 

• Khrystyna Rachytska - L’viv 

• Oksana Rushinets - L’viv 

• And will be joined by jewelry designer - Orysia Valovka

The show will explore the influence of Ukrainian traditional clothing on the designers’ work.  Additional biographical information and a preview of their works can be seen on their social media accounts. 

Ukraine’s Top Fashionistas Bring Their Runway to Detroit  to Help Children of War
Ukrainian Children’s Aid and Relief Effort (UCARE) will spotlight Vogue-featured ethno-fashion influencers at a fashion show fundraiser for orphans and war displaced children in Ukraine

Four renowned fashion designers will leave Europe’s runways and boutiques to fundraise for displaced and orphaned Ukrainian children during the “Healing Through Art” fashion show.

WHY:  To bring awareness to the public and help support the vulnerable children in Ukraine. UCARE has been helping children by providing them with nourishing food, clothing, personal supplies and assisting them as best we can to find productive channels to process their feelings and work through their trauma with the guidance of professionals.  

By raising funds for UCARE’s “Healing through Arts” program, Vogue featured designers Khrystyna Rachytska and Olesya Hryn, embroidery influencer Oksana Rushinets and haute couture jewelry designer Orysia Valovka will help provide critical humanitarian aid for children traumatized by russia’s invasion.

“We’re expanding our critical support system for orphaned and psychologically scarred children of war while giving these exceptional artists an opportunity to demonstrate and share how Ukrainian folk traditions have inspired their haute couture designs,” explains UCARE Director Vera Petrusha.

Proceeds from Healing Through Art will help UCARE: 

• Provide ongoing humanitarian aid (food, clothing, footwear, hygiene items, over the counter medication, etc.) 

• Sponsor winter and summer camps in the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine.  These camps offer activities that teach life skills and bring joy to the children UCARE serves. (hikes in mountains, first aid, Ukrainian language, songs, traditions, trauma workshops, English tutoring, etc.)

• Support orphans who age-out of state care by providing financial support for trade schools, universities, and other opportunities.  

• Supply medical aid for children with physical or cognitive disabilities who are in need of additional assistance.  (equipment, expenses for medicine, hospitalization, etc.) 

Programs to address trauma caused by the war. This fall, UCARE will launch a program to help children process the trauma resulting from the war.  Event proceeds will go toward providing mental health professionals (psychiatrists, social workers, and artists), program supplies (paint, paper, brushes, journals, costumes, musical instruments), and cover expenses such as transportation and administration.