The holiday season is almost here and there are plenty of Ukrainians all around the world that could use a refreshing celebration. That means double-time for me.
I haven't openly spoken about this yet, except to a select few who I consider friendly enough to speak candidly to. In October I decided I would put together a Christmas party on the 25th of December for the 300 Ukrainians in Almere city, which includes many children.
I have been volunteering with two registered charities and non-profits in the UK and UAE for a few years now. The committee in UAE was put together by my late father and is now the biggest helping hand for Bangladeshis in the UAE. I decided that my experience with these 2 organizations could help me put together something for a considerably large crowd of 300 who are all in destitute.
In early November, after a couple of meetings with the management, I was able to secure the venue at the hotel. A whole floor is going to be dedicated to the 300 attendees with a few things like cleaning staff, decorations, and so on in-kind by the management.
Since then, I have been busy with planning events for the children and the adults, catering, activities, and so on. To be frank, it would have been easier if I could do it with the backup of a registered organization. However, I lack the knowledge, time, and mental strength to pursue creating that in the Netherlands.
By end of November, I was able to secure a communication line with a representative from the Almere municipality with whom I am still in the discussion phase with. Needless to say, my experience may have played a part in gaining the vote of confidence.
I ended up sending in my final proposal to the municipality signed as an "individual voluntary initiative", much like all my efforts for Ukrainians in Almere. Unfortunately, there is no way I can personally bear the expenses to put up a Christmas event for the Ukrainians in a large fashion as I really want. At one point, for catering, there was a chance to get a hive community involved but that didn't reap any fruits - again due to time constraints and the tight budget.
That also means being really tight with expenditures and keeping the event as conservative as possible. It is still a good thing that the hotel chipped in by covering many of the elements for the party in kind. My municipality liaison is still not sure if the funding proposal will get accepted but I still am hopeful. Nevertheless, I have also mapped out a plan B if I have to do this without any funding and out of my own pocket. It is not going to be as flashy, but I hope it will be enough to let the Ukrainians enjoy a holiday away from all the saddening stress.
There are 4 activities planned for the kids, one for the adults, and so on. The goal is to give us all a night of fun, laughter, and celebration. A night to create new memories and find it a little easier to integrate into the new country. If there are any tips, help, or suggestions you have, I would be happy to receive them.
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Dear @blind-spot,
Your support for the current HiveSQL proposal (#138) is much appreciated but the proposal will expire soon!
May I ask you to review and support the new proposal so HiveSQL can stay free to use for the community?
You can support the new proposal (#247) on Peakd, Ecency,
Thank you!
Why, of course. Supported!
Thank you for your support @blind-spot, really appreciate it! 👍
Without imposing and as we are in a renewal period for proposals, if you could take a look at the HiveBuzz Proposal Renewal as well 😁
I have voted for it :D
Thank you @blind-spot ❤️
Maybe the voedselbank can chip in or the local jumbo or albert Heijn. Time is ticking I hope it will work out. Flashy or not