Quilting for Ukrainian Refugees

The quilters at Olivet Lutheran Church were more than happy to create a special quilt to help fundraise for Ukrainian refugees struggling to stay financially viable in Fargo-Moorhead.

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – In a massive room at the Olivet Lutheran Church on South University Drive, dedicated quilters churn out about 250 creations a year to give to a variety of individuals in need.

“Probably about half of them go to local charities here in town,” explained Donna Lewis.

So when Michael Southam – a member of the congregation who also happens to be the driving force behind FM Volunteers for Ukraine – approached Donna about making a special quilt for fundraising purposes, it was a no-brainer.

The quilt will be auctioned off at the Day of Peace Fundraiser on Sunday, September 21, at Gooseberry Park in Moorhead.

Southam says the fundraiser has come about because Ukrainian refugee families in the area are losing their sponsorship status and cannot legally find work.

But the event – and the quilt – are even more so about showing the Ukrainians in the F-M area that there are people who care about their well-being and want them to stick around.

“This is a way for the community – greater community – to show some love and support for folks that really would like to stay with us, is the bottom line,” said Southam.

That fundraiser on Sunday runs from 1 to 4 in the afternoon.

Along with a silent auction and raffle, there will be performances of traditional Ukrainian music, guest speakers like Mayor Shelley Carlson, and much more.