SOLIDARITY
JEFF DILLON
Waterloo, Ontario
PUBLISHED: UNHCR
DATE: June 22 2022
From paintings to jewellery, learn how Canadian artists are raising funds and awareness for UNHCR’s Ukraine emergency response.
The war in Ukraine has uprooted the lives of millions and captured the attention and hearts of people across Canada compelled to find ways to help. Artists from across the country who have been moved to take action have been drawing on their creative talents to help support those forced to flee. Meet a few of the compassionate and caring artists and learn why they are raising funds and awareness for UNHCR’s emergency response in Ukraine, one of the largest human displacement crises in the world today.
Solidarity
In February 2022, Jeff Dillon, an artist based in Waterloo, Ontario, watched the invasion of Ukraine on the news with increasing alarm. He was struck by the human devastation as millions fled to the borders to escape the war. Called to action, Jeff created a painting in support of Ukraine, choosing a field of sunflowers against a blue sky and titling it “Solidarity”.
“When I was painting ‘Solidarity’, I thought of the people of Ukraine. I wanted the image to be beautiful and hopeful. When I completed the painting, I felt lifted up, and grateful for the opportunity to use my art to help others. Despite the real boundaries of our countries, I truly believe charity has no borders.”
Jeff says he was inspired to raise funds on behalf of UNHCR because of its well-known history of helping refugees and safeguarding human rights worldwide. It was important to him that the charity he chose was familiar with the issues, could rally the needed international support, and could work with neighbouring countries to respond quickly. He held an auction for “Solidarity,” with funds raised to support UNHCR’s emergency response to the unfolding Ukraine crisis. Supporters turned out in force, sharing the link to the site, and purchasing the artist’s prints and cards. The auction raised nearly $20,000 for UNHCR’s Ukraine response.
“This is how a small, but mighty group of art lovers, and one determined artist have been able to send support to the people of Ukraine,” says Jeff, “I feel such gratitude for their help in making this donation to UNHCR.”
Find out more about Jeff and his artwork at jeffdillon.ca
Download a PDF of the original article: Artists-across-Canada-show-support.pdf
Link to the original article: https://www.unhcr.ca/news/artists-across-canada-show-support-for-ukraine
