This Ukrainian band has raised nearly a million dollars in support of its country.
Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra has sold for $900,000 its trophy that it won in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022.
READ ALSO: Supporting Ukraine: LVMH Pledges $5.5 Million For War Victims And Halts Retail Operations In Russia
The proceeds will directly aid the country’s military against the ongoing Russian invasion that began in late February.
Specifically, the Ukrainian armed forces will use the funds to purchase PD-2 drone systems, which include aircraft and a ground control station.
The music group sold the trophy they received through a Facebook auction led by Ukrainian television personality Serhiy Prytula. It said hundreds of people had offered to help with distribution, donations, and organizational issues during the auction.
According to Eurovision, the trophy it awards is a custom-designed, handmade microphone made of solid transparent glass with sand-blasted and painted detailing.
National duty
“We have a duty to be useful to our country at this moment. We didn’t have any opportunity to rehearse together for a long time, but now, we’ve gone into ‘extra mode.’ We’re all very hard-working, and we’re all doing what we can to make this happen. We’ve enjoyed seeing people singing our song, even if they didn’t know all the words. We really appreciate seeing people supporting Ukraine, and supporting us,” Kalush Orchestra said.
The band won Eurovision with their entry “Stefania” in May. Winners traditionally host the following year, which means Ukraine hopes to hold the song contest in 2023.
“I thank the Kalush Orchestra for this victory and everyone who gave us your votes! I am sure that the sound of victory in the battle with the enemy is not far off,” Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the band.
Banner Photo by Kalush Orchestra via Instagram
