There was a steady stream of people attending the “Spring into Summer – A Fundraiser for Ukraine” event held at Beyond the House Garden Centre in Russell on April 23. Thompson Goddard Photo
RUSSELL – The weather may have been a bit cool, but warm feelings flowed everywhere as Beyond the House held their “Spring into Summer – A Fundraiser for Ukraine” event on Sat., April 23.
“It was better than I could have imagined” exclaimed Cluett, continuing how there was a fantastic turnout beginning at 10 a.m and onwards. The event had nine local vendors, a silent and live auction as well as being able to peruse the store itself.
Owner Cindy Cluett explained that in the past, the event had been a fundraiser for Russell’s Ladies Night but as it is not being held this year, she decided to hold it as a fundraiser for Ukraine. The inspiration for the event held in support of Ukraine, arose after Cluett met Olenka Bastian, a local woman who will shortly open a store for displaced Ukrainians in Ottawa.
Cluett took a moment in her hectic day to thank everyone who attended the event, the vendors, staff, and family that made it so successful. She also thanked the local businesses and people who made donations to the silent and live auctions. A warm thank you was extended to James Auctions Services of Russell who donated their services and to Labelle Tent Rentals for their assistance.
Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
