УКР On May 17-18th, Leleka Foundation took center stage at the legendary St George Ukrainian Festival, marking the nonprofit’s first‑ever appearance at the nearly 50‑year‑old East Village celebration of Ukrainian heritage.
A neighborhood tradition
Running for three days along East 7th Street, the annual festival is a cornerstone of New York’s Ukrainian community, drawing thousands with its blend of folk music, dance, authentic cuisine, and stalls showcasing traditional arts and crafts.
Showcasing life‑saving work
At its inaugural booth, Leleka offered visitors a close‑up look at a real tactical medical backpack—the same model the foundation’s Kyiv‑based team dispatches weekly to frontline medics. Fully stocked, each pack contains enough supplies to help save up to ten lives in combat zones.
“People were amazed to see how much critical gear fits into a single bag,” said Iryna Solomko, Leleka’s Head of Strategic Communications . “It made the war feel tangible—and underscored why their support matters.”
Hands‑on tourniquet training
Festival‑goers also received a crash course in battlefield first aid from volunteer psychotherapist Alina Zadorina, who holds a Tactical Combat Casualty Care-Combat Lifesaver certificate. Zadorina demonstrated proper application techniques and let attendees test their new skills.
"At the festival, we demonstrated how to apply tourniquets – to oneself and others. People actively practiced and were interested, and some were already achieving timed applications within a couple of training sessions - 30 seconds. It was very pleasant to be part of the fundraising to purchase backpacks, which in skilled hands will help our defenders. It was especially nice to meet and receive support from American veterans who came to the festival during their breaks between their volunteer missions in Ukraine. I saw firsthand how many genuine, wonderful people support our struggle – and it's inspiring!", added volunteer Alina Zadorina.
Keeping heritage alive
Adding a cultural flourish, artist Alla Umarova led children through a vybyika (block‑printing) workshop. Young participants stamped vibrant motifs onto fabric using hand‑carved wooden blocks—a craft that dates back to Kyivan Rus and was once famed among the Drevlians.
Community response
Over two days, dozen of volunteers staffed the booth, while visitors contributed donations earmarked for additional medical backpacks and hemostatic bandages.
“It was a great pleasure to join Leleka. Together, we raised funds to purchase tactical medical supplies for field medics. It's important to remember that the war in Ukraine is not over, and each contribution makes a difference and can help save lives”, added Andrii Gubenko, one of Leleka’s volunteers.
“We’re humbled by the outpouring of support,” said Leleka`s President Vadim Geshel. “Every dollar raised here in New York will translate directly into life‑saving equipment for Ukrainian medics.”
Looking ahead
Buoyed by the warm reception, Leleka plans to return to St George’s Festival next year and expand its educational programming at similar events nationwide.