Sisters Movie House joins C.O. in support of Ukraine with film fundraiser

Central Oregonians' efforts to help the people of Ukraine find strong support

(Update: Adding video, updates on other Ukraine fundraisers we've reported on recently)

BEND, Ore (KTVZ) -- Along with several other Central Oregon businesses and individuals, the Sisters Movie House is showing support of Ukraine with a fundraiser, in this case holding a film showing.

On Tuesday, the Sisters Movie House joined the efforts by launching a 'Stand With Ukraine' event, where they will be showing a Ukrainian film, titled "The Guide."

All of the proceeds from purchased tickets will go to Ukrainian relief.

The co-owner of the theater, Drew Kaza, said Wednesday it's getting immediate responses.

“I think that the folks of Sisters in particular, but I think throughout Central Oregon are super concerned about what’s going on in Ukraine," Kaza said. I see that in our business, I see that in our church, and this is just an easy way for people to do something tangible.”

It’s also a chance to learn more about the country's history.

But however the community can show support, Kaza encourages it.

“I tell people, If you want to help in Ukraine, buy tickets for the film, and come and see it, or not.”

You can go to the standwithukrainethroughfilm.org website to find out exactly where the money is going. 

For more information about showtimes, you can visit: https://www.sistersmoviehouse.com/component/k2/item/368-torn

Along with Kaza’s efforts, other Central Oregonians like Evygenia Eager, a Russian-Ukrainian living in Bend, said her baking fundraiser became popular quickly.

The number of orders she thought she would get over the course of weeks, she got in only three days.

“I took 32 orders," Eager said of the fundraiser, which ended Sunday.

Sasha Spektor, a Ukrainian-American woman living in Bend, raised $17,000 to support the people of Ukraine, including her family members who are seeking safety and in need of resources. She looks forward to the continued support.

Thad lodge, owner of Marcello's Cucina Italiana in Sunriver, raised more than $23,000 by hosting a special dinner, where 100% of proceeds also went to supporting Ukraine.

Heather McCorkle, a Redmond author, also helped raise money through a book auction for a relief fund last week.

“It’s not just your country, it’s not just American government helping," Eager said. "It’s actually real people helping real people out there."