Ukraine Gala raised 50,000 euros for aid equipment

A committee of nine women organized a festive Ukraine Gala at the Kulosaari Casino on October 3, 2025, the proceeds of which, approximately 50,000 euros, have now been directed to the defenders of Ukraine.

The gala was hosted by Erica Liewendahl. The keynote speaker, Antti Kuronen from Yle, spoke touchingly about his own experiences in Ukraine. Also present was the Ambassador of Ukraine, Mykhailo Vydoinyk, with his spouse, Khrystyna. The ambassador gave a speech and mentioned that he was delighted by the Ukrainian flags flying at many homes in Kulosaari.

Exceptionally valuable donations were seen at the gala's auction. Artists Riitta Nelimarkka and Maria Wolfram donated their works, tennis legend Jarkko Nieminen donated two private tennis lessons, and the Embassy of Ukraine donated a hand-painted vase. In addition, several companies provided valuable raffle prizes.

Italian cellist Pietro Carabba performed, among other pieces, the Ukrainian folk song Oy U Luzi Chervona, and the Ukrainian dance group Ethno had created an impressive State of Emergency performance for the event. The gala's star performer, tango king Eino Grön, charmed the audience and filled the dance floor with the whirls of waltz and tango. DJ Lauri Sintonen provided the music for the rest of the evening.

The atmospheric gala was attended by 185 guests, among whom were also two Finnish volunteers who had fought in Ukraine.

The organizing committee warmly thanks Ambassador Vydoinyk, the evening's performers, the auction and raffle donors, the private and corporate sponsors, and all the guests for this significant support.

The collected 50,000 euros have been used through Zero Line Finland ry for the following aid targets:

1) Tow/car transport truck - acquired in Ukraine and is now transporting cars from the front line to nearby cities for repair. This is of great significance for the efficient use of cars, as their average lifespan is only a few weeks.

2) RIB boat - an 8-meter professional boat acquired directly from the use of the Stockholm region fire department. The vessel supports the operations of the ammunition and mine clearance team off the coast of Odesa.

3) Backup power supplies - 30 units (Flinkenberg Oy sponsored 50%). Most went to the front line for drone squads and volunteer air defense units, but some also went to hospitals located near the front. The power supplies are used to charge computers and tablets containing sky maps, radars/antennas, FPV goggles, VHF radios, and Starlink units, meaning they are an extremely essential part of Ukraine's defense.

4) Generators - 4 generators were acquired as an energy source for the above-mentioned power supplies.

5) Minibus - a so-called evacuation vehicle primarily for passenger transport.

6) VHF radios, 10 units - for the volunteer air defense units in Kyiv.

In addition, the donated funds covered transportation costs, including the rental of a truck that was used to deliver 6 packages of fishing nets (for drone protection), 4,000 liters of fire extinguishing foam, and two heavy-duty electrical transformers weighing several tons.

A huge thank you and a bow on behalf of Zero Line and, of course, the Ukrainians! Overall, the Ukraine Gala made possible a great aid package that has been able to help the defenders of Ukraine, while also demonstrating that the Finns' desire to help is not waning!