Ukrainian crisis - A platform if you wish to help

     As seen, over the past few days the horrific situation in Ukraine has been escalating, resulting in hundreds of thousands of people escaping the country and a terrible humanitarian disaster is developing.

Bonsai has long been a symbol of world peace, and fellow enthusiasts from around the world at times come together in solidarity for those in need. Yesterday, Mariusz Folder (Ibuki), a very well known bonsai artist and potter in Poland posted that he was buying supplies to take to the Ukrainian boarder for the hundreds of thousands of people in desparate need of food, water, medicine and other basic supplies. The EBPC, together with other bonsai enthusiasts, immediately sent Mariusz a donation to help with the cost of supplies. If you would like to do the same, you can contact Mariusz, or just send a Paypal donation to mfolda@hotmail.com. 

Every pound / Euro will be used to buy desperately needed supplies for our friends in Ukraine.

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lMariusz also offered a bonsai pot for auction, with al proceeds going to the effort. Some other bonsai potters in Europe and America have also held 'auctions' since, with proceeds going to Mariusz and the help effort. 

Mariusz's pot auction and a few kind donations raised €1500 just yesterday evening. 

Other EBPC member artists have also shown solidarity with Ukrainians, and  the auctions are linked below.  

​Roy Minarai (USA)
Stone Monkey Ceramics (U.K.)
Guerao Bonsai Ceramics (Spain)

We thank them and you for your help in this crisis. 
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​The EBPC never express political opinions, but here we have a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands of women, children, and the elderly fleeing an invasion, and although it is frustrating we can not do more to help, every Euro raised will make the world of difference to those currently in desparate need. 
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It has been very heart warming in a troubling time to once again see the bonsai community come together in times of need. 

Update ..  Facebook Group 'EBA' announces this week's auctions will be to help support those in need fleeing Ukraine. 

The admin of Facebook group 'European Bonsai Auctions' have also just announced that a proportion of this week's sales are to be donated to the help effort. 

It may only be a few thousand Euros raised, hopefully more, but every Euro counts to those currently forced to flee their homes and their country with only what they can carry. Thank you to Peter and all of those involved.