Writers for Ukraine: A Powerful Benefit Evening in Support of a Nation in Crisis

 

Writers for Ukraine: A Powerful Benefit Evening in Support of a Nation in Crisis

Standing with Ukraine: What “Writers for Ukraine” Means

We believe in the power of words, art, and solidarity. The event titled Writers for Ukraine (in Dutch: Schrijvers voor Oekraïne) brings together authors, journalists, and musicians — from both the Netherlands and Ukraine — to raise awareness about the ongoing war in Ukraine and to collect funds for urgently needed protective and humanitarian supplies. Universiteit Twente+2Universiteit Twente+2

More than just a literary gathering, this benefit evening serves as a bridge between cultures, as a statement of solidarity, and as a means of providing concrete support for those living with the consequences of conflict.

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What Happens in a Typical “Writers for Ukraine” Evening

✨ Artistic and Literary Contributions

• Renowned writers such as Tommy Wieringa and Jaap Scholten share their direct experiences and reflections on Ukraine and Russia — whether as journalists, authors, or witnesses. Student Union+1

• Participants read excerpts from their own works — often touching on themes of war, displacement, history, identity — and enrich these readings with visuals: photos or reportage from conflict zones. Universiteit Twente+2Universiteit Twente+2

• Ukrainian musicians (e.g. Oleg Lysenko) contribute with deeply moving music — offering not just auditory relief but a visceral emotional connection to the country, its culture, and its pain. Student Union+2SPUI25+2

📚 Book Launches and Signings

• As part of the evening, some authors present and launch new books that chronicle their journeys or testimonies. For instance, “Konvooi” by Tommy Wieringa — a book about his first-aid convoys to the front lines — has been part of such benefit events. Universiteit Twente+2SPUI25+2

• After the readings and performances, the audience often has the chance to buy books and have them signed. This not only supports the authors, but also directly benefits the fundraising for relief efforts. Student Union+2Universiteit Twente+2

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Who Organises It and Where: Institutional Context

The events are often hosted by university or cultural organisations. For instance:

• The University of Twente (Vrijhof-Amphitheater) organized a “Writers for Ukraine” evening on 7 October 2025 (19:30–21:00). Universiteit Twente+2Universiteit Twente+2

• Collaborative organisations that often support or co-host: student cultural umbrella groups (like Apollo), university-culture divisions, and other local cultural associations. Universiteit Twente+1

The event is primarily in Dutch, aiming at Dutch-speaking audiences, but through its mix of literature, journalism, visual media, and music, it transcends mere language — conveying a shared human story of suffering, resilience, identity, and hope. Universiteit Twente+1

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Purpose and Impact: More Than Just a Fundraiser

✅ Concrete Aid for Humanitarian and Protection Needs

Proceeds from ticket sales, book purchases, and events are donated to Protect Ukraine — a foundation committed to delivering protective equipment and humanitarian aid to soldiers and civilians affected by war. Student Union+2Universiteit Twente+2

Protect Ukraine channels donations into high-priority needs: helmets, protective vests, trauma-kits, winter clothing, medical supplies, pioneer equipment, and in some cases — vehicles, transport units, and even drones for evacuation or reconnaissance. Universiteit Twente+2Student Union+2

In addition to frontline needs, some of the relief is aimed at rebuilding critical infrastructure — reflecting not only immediate aid but also long-term solidarity and reconstruction. Student Union+1

🧠 Raising Awareness: The Power of Storytelling

Through personal stories, literature, and music, the event gives audiences — often far removed from the front — a visceral sense of what life under war means: loss, identity, heritage, resilience.

This approach counters disinformation and abstraction. It reminds attendees that behind news headlines are real people, real trauma, and a real, living culture under threat.

🤝 Solidarity and Cultural Bridge-Building

“Writers for Ukraine” fosters solidarity not only through financial support but also through cultural empathy. Attendees from different backgrounds gather, listen, reflect — and leave transformed.

It fosters cross-cultural dialogue and reminds us that literature and art can be powerful tools for empathy, activism, and support.

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What Sets “Writers for Ukraine” Apart from Other Benefit Events

Feature	Why It Matters
Combination of literature, journalism, music, and visuals	Engages multiple senses; emotionally powerful and immersive experience
Participation of authors with first-hand experience or long-term ties to Ukraine	Provides direct, credible perspectives — not abstract or second-hand accounts
Direct donation to verified humanitarian effort (Protect Ukraine)	Ensures aid reaches real needs on the ground — protective gear, medical supplies, reconstruction
Book launches and signings — alongside readings	Encourages long-term engagement (books remain with readers), raises more funds
University/cultural-organization hosting	Offers a structured, respected platform — improves reach and visibility

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How You, as Reader or Supporter, Can Engage — Even if You Cannot Attend

• Purchase books from participating authors (new releases or earlier works) — many of which relate to Ukraine and its history. Buying supports both the author and the cause.

• Share information about the event or foundation on social media or among friends — raise awareness beyond the immediate community.

• Support foundations like Protect Ukraine directly, if possible — especially during times when funding and donations are critical.

• Read and reflect on literature and journalism coming out of Ukraine: understanding cultural context, history, identity — empathy begins with understanding.

• Attend similar online or local events — even if far away geographically, digital or translated events occasionally emerge, and solidarity transcends borders.

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Suggested Diagram: Structure of a “Writers for Ukraine” Benefit Evening

graph LR
    A[Organisers: University / Cultural Institutions / Student Groups] --> B[Event “Writers for Ukraine”]
    B --> C[Authors & Journalists: Readings, Testimonies, Book Launches]
    B --> D[Ukrainian Musicians & Artists: Music, Visuals, Cultural Performance]
    C --> E[Audience: Emotional engagement, understanding, solidarity]
    D --> E
    E --> F[Donations & Proceeds]
    F --> G[Protect Ukraine Foundation]
    G --> H[Purchase Protective/Humanitarian Equipment & Deliver Aid]