Kirkland Honors Ukrainians at a Feb 24th Vigil with Volunteers back from Ukraine and a US Congresswoman

February 24, 2023, marked a year since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the start of the war in Eastern Europe. Of the numerous organizations committed to aiding Ukrainians in need through deliveries of food, clothing, and supplies and on-the-ground volunteers, iMiracleProject is outstanding in its efforts and impact. 

Last Friday, the Kirkland community united in a vigil led by Father Michael of St. John’s Episcopal Church to honor the Ukrainians lost in the war and pray for those struggling to survive within their wartorn country. Humanitarian volunteers back from on-the-ground work in Ukraine came together with Kirkland locals, St. John’s Church, and iMiracleProject staff to observe the first anniversary of the invasion. Up to $15,000 worth of donations received were matched by St. John’s Episcopal Church. 

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, who represents Washington’s 1st Congressional District, joined iMiracleProject in honoring the date and attended the event, “From Kirkland to Kyiv, in Solidarity and Support” and the Q&A panel that followed the vigil. The Q&A panel was an important demonstration of iMiracleProject’s mission to help Ukraine and provided an overview of its significant impact so far. iMiracleProject efforts include providing access to clean water, food, shelter, and medical supplies (of which they recently received a $1 million donation) to the Ukrainian people. 

The Q&A panel, moderated by Father Michael, featured Congresswoman Suzan DelBene, as well as Greg Hope, Director of Diocese of Olympia’s Refugee Resettlement Office, iMiracleProject Board member, Rick Steckler, who recently returned from on-the-ground work in Ukraine, and Ben Sterciuc, Founder & Chairman of the Board at Vital Solutions. 

All speakers emphasized that funding is the greatest need for all non-profit organizations providing aid to Ukraine. While iMiracleProject has established infrastructure, they still need funds to purchase supplies and send them to Ukraine (it costs $14,000 simply to send one shipping container to Ukraine), and pay the people who keep the system working. iMiracleProject, being a 100% volunteer-based organization, relies heavily on donations to send supplies and support volunteers on the ground. 

The event was picked up by local news outlets, Kiro7, Fox13, Crosscut, and King5. 

Good Day Seattle | Fox13

Kiro7

KING 5

Crosscut Seattle