Summary

FRANKLIN, Wis. — Hundreds of people attended the Ukrainian Festival at Croatian Park in Franklin on Sunday to benefit those impacted by the Russia-Ukraine War. The proceeds collected will support humanitarian and medical aid efforts for those affected by the ongoing Russian invasion that has lasted for four and half years. The festival gives Wisconsinites the opportunity to experience Ukraine’s culture up close through traditional music, authentic food, live performances and more. It was started four years ago by Wisconsin Ukrainians Inc. to celebrate Ukraine’s heritage, create a welcoming space for immigrants, and support those injured in combat, like Taras Orel. “I received my injuries in Donetsk Oblast in the village of Poltavka, and there were eight people with me, and only three of us survived, and all of us sustained very heavy injuries,” said Orel. “I did not think that I would be able to make it.” But it was Revived Soldiers Ukraine that ended up saving his life. This nonprofit organization brings hundreds of severely wounded Ukrainian service members to the United States for advanced medical treatment. “We take care of their medicine, we take them to hospitals every time they need to go to their appointments,” said Tetyana Levchenko from the Chicago branch of Revived Soldiers Ukraine. “Everything is on us.” Levchenko has stood by Orel’s side every step of the way during his recovery. It’s events like this that help raise the funds needed to ensure these brave men and women get the care they need to return home healed. “The doctor was saying that we're almost there with my wrist healing,” said Orel. “As soon as I’m cleared, I’m looking forward to flying back home to Kyiv.” And to reunite with his wife and two sons after nearly a year apart so he could get the treatment he needed to survive.