A charity concert in Exmouth has raised £1,700 for Ukrainian families in need.
The Benefit Concert for Ukraine held at Exmouth’s Christ Church was a night of jazz and blues courtesy of the Paul Strange Organisation (PSO) and Blue Honey.
Further pledges have left organisers hopeful that the final amount could reach more than £2,000.
With more than 100 attendants and others partaking via a live internet stream, the total donations received a boost during an interval Q&A session with Viktoria, an Ukrainian whose husband served on the frontline and has extensive family still living in Ukraine.
Viktoria shared her journey from Ukraine to Poland with her child strapped to her back and relayed her gratitude to the people who gifted her a bowl of soup upon her safe arrival.
She expressed the bitter experiences of those left behind in Ukraine facing heavy bombing.
She also spoke about the financial struggles of Ukrainian people, who are suffering from high prices.
The funds raised will be split among UNICEF and Samaritans’ Purse International as a joint initiative by PSO and Christ Church.
Bishop Josep Rossello, minister at Christ Church, said: "Thank you so much to all who made such a wonderful event possible.
"I am touched by the generosity of so many to support Ukraine and stand with a nation that needs us more than ever.
"We were able to raise £1,700 so far, with more donations on their way.
"PSO and Blue Honey were fantastic, and it made a memorable evening.
"We want to thank everyone who made it possible."
The Benefit Concert for Ukraine at Exmouth’s Christ Church can be viewed on the Church's Facebook page.
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