Okean Elzy celebrates 30 years with charity tour for frontline ambulances
The band Okean Elzy, in partnership with SoftServe’s Open Eyes charity foundation, is set to raise funds for 30 ambulances for the frontline as part of a global tour celebrating the band's 30th anniversary, the charity announced on Aug. 7.
The goal of the "Drive for Life: Okean Elzy Edition" project is to purchase and fully equip ambulances, giving medics on the frontlines the best possible tools to save soldiers’ lives.
This fall, Okean Elzy will kick off an international charity tour, continuing their "Help for Ukraine" tour. The musicians will visit countries across Europe, North America, and the UK.
“Our last tour in North America allowed us to deliver 100 Mavic 3 drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces and National Guard. This time, we're launching a major fundraising project with the SoftServe Foundation to raise funds for 30 fully equipped ambulances for the frontline,” said frontman Svyatoslav Vakarchuk.
“I often visit the front and talk to medics,” the rock star continued.
“Their stories of incredible self-sacrifice, rescue, and sometimes loss and failure touch me deeply. They need our help every day. That’s why this time, we’re focusing on purchasing ambulances to save the lives of our defenders.”
A portion of the ticket sales, along with all proceeds from merchandise and auction sales, will be donated to the Open Eyes Foundation. The foundation has been buying ambulances for the frontline since the full-scale invasion began. Over the past two years, it has delivered 242 ambulances to 170 medical units.
“This is our foundation’s first partnership of this kind, and we’re incredibly proud to start this journey with Okean Elzy,” said Victoria Mishchuk, director of the Open Eyes Foundation.
“We share the same values and, in our own ways, have been systematically supporting the Ukrainian Defense Forces. Now, we’re joining forces to raise 30 million hryvnias ($725,735) by the end of the year to equip medics who save lives every day. With Okean Elzy’s strong support, we’re confident we can reach more hearts worldwide and amplify our impact.”
Donations for the ambulances can also be made directly on the foundation's website.
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