‘Handmade with Love for Ukraine’ auction to help humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

(ABC 6 News) – On Thursday, the art auction and goods cash and carry event, ‘Handmade with Love for Ukraine’ will be held in Albert Lea to help with humanitarian efforts over in Ukraine.

Michelle Gurung watched the events unfold as Russia invaded the country back in February.

"Of course like a lot of people I went to social media and you know it is overwhelming and devastating to watch that happen there and just see what people are going through, and when I shared that on Facebook a lot of my peer groups my friends starting replying the same way," Owner of Dreamtime Harvest Soaps, Michelle Gurung said.

Gurung has been making soap since 2001 and recently went full time with her soap business ‘Dreamtime Harvest’ during COVID.

She thought it could be great to have a local benefit or auction with art and handmade items to help those suffering in Ukraine.

She reached out to her friends and now has over 15 artists and makers helping to provide pieces for the event.

There is everything from stained glass, watercolor paintings, and painted gourd birdhouses in the silent auction. There is also cash and carry where you can purchase smaller items like soap.

"The making and artist community they are far-flung but they come together for things and I kind of wanted to draw on that sense of community and see what we could do," Gurung said.

All the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Children of Ukraine through UNICEF.

The owners of The Outlet helped out by providing the space free of charge for the event.

If you are interested in attending ‘Handmade with Love for Ukraine’ it is this Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The Outlet in Albert Lea.

You can find out more here.