Get dancing for Ukraine this weekend in Donnington | Vicky Meets

• You are organising a dance-based fundraising event to support those affected by the crisis in Ukraine. What is the background to this event?

I have always enjoyed dancing, ever since doing the usual ballet and tap as a child. I continued tap dancing until my mid-fifties. For many years I enjoyed Swing Jive dancing and moved into dance based fitness classes about ten years ago. I now exercise with Fitjoy, a local group offering a variety of classes, both in venues and on Zoom. I find the variety of classes keeps things interesting. The classes give you a real lift and you feel energised afterwards. You forget any worries and just enjoy the music. During lockdown Fitjoy offered classes on Zoom, so we danced in our lounges, kitchens, conservatories and gardens! Whilst at a Broadway Boogie class, I wondered about holding a fundraising event; something that would raise everyone’s spirits as well as money for a good cause. Every day for weeks now we have witnessed the atrocities unfolding in Ukraine. People like us are being torn from their homes, families, friends, jobs and schools. I felt quite helpless. I saw other groups arranging fundraising events, so I thought why not try something?

• Tell me about the event – what is it and when and where is it happening?

‘Dance for Ukraine’ takes place on Sunday (April 3) at Donnington Parish Hall, Stockbridge Road. Running from 2pm-6pm, there will be four sessions of different dance fitness classes: 2pm – Broadway Boogie (dancing to well-known musical hits); 3pm – Zumba (upbeat dancing); 4pm – Line Dancing; 5pm – Dance Mash-up (a complete mixture of dance styles to popular tunes). There will be a Sundowner Cool Down at 5.45pm. We will also be offering hot and cold drinks, delicious cake and a raffle.

• How much does it cost and how will the money you raise be donated?

It costs £5 to participate in a single session and £10 for multiple sessions. Under 16s pay by donation. All the proceeds from this event will help fund a van that will take donations to Poland.

• What did you do before you retired?

I retired in 2019, but before then I worked for Cards for Good Causes for 19 years as a regional manager. I loved my job, which entailed organising the running of 25 pop-up shops, selling charity Christmas cards in the run up to Christmas. I worked from home, but with local communities across large areas of Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

• How do we get involved with the Dance for Ukraine event?

People can just turn up and pay by cash or card on the door. It is an event for everyone; all ages and all abilities. And if you don’t fancy dancing, you can still show your support by just coming along to spectate and to enjoy the refreshments and the raffle!

• Where can we find further information?

For further information please call 07752 674736.

<<< ALSO IN THE NEWS: 79th Members’ Meeting at Goodwood: Everything you need to know about the Goodwood Road Racing Club event >>>

SEE ALSO: Take a look at the latest planning applications from across the Chichester district

---

For the latest breaking news where you live in Sussex, follow us on Twitter @Sussex_World and like us on Facebook @SussexWorldUK