ORCHARD LAKE, Michigan (3-28-24) – Since 2022, the Polish Institute of Culture & Research has helped make a tremendous difference for Ukrainian refugees in Poland through the initiation of its Polish Mission – Ukrainian Relief Fund. “When our organization began planning its reintroduction into Polonia, we were touched by an international crisis,” said Ania Bieciuk, Administrator for Polonia Affairs, “and we knew we could help make a difference for Ukrainian refugees seeking safety in Poland from the Russian conflict.”

The Polish Institute created the Polish Mission — Ukrainian Relief Fund to help agencies in
Poland with much needed funds for food, clothing, and shelter, and placing these refugees with Polish households. This fund evolved from the efforts of so many within our campus community. Donations to it have been shared with the following charitable organizations in Poland:

Felician Sisters Ukrainian Relief in Przemysl

Polskie Centrum Pomocy Miedzynarodowej (PCPM) (Polish center for International Aid)

Polska Akcja Humanitarna (PAH) (Polish Humanitarian Action)

Fundacja Ocalenie (Ocalenie Foundation)

Polska Misja Medyczna (Polish Medical Mission)

Caritas Polska (Caritas)

Polski Czerwony Krzyz (PCK) (Polish Red Cross)

Initially, the Polish Institute introduced this fund at a Benefit Concert for Ukrainian Refugees on
Sunday, April 3, 2022. “We hosted the Lira Singers Quartet of the Lira Ensemble of Chicago,
Artist-in-Residence at Loyola University, who performed a classical folk music program narrated by Lucyna Migala, Founder and Artistic Director,” said Bieciuk. “We are so blessed to have such incredible support for the Polish Mission—Ukrainian Relief Fund!”

Efforts to help support this fund have been ongoing throughout almost the last two years, and the Polish Institute wishes to share that it will close the fund on April 5 th. On Saturday, March 9, 2024, a very special announcement was made at the Blooms of Tradition Fashion Show in the Galeria on campus.

The show highlighted Recultured Designs, a San Francisco line established by Detroit native
Alexandra Lisiecki who, deeply influenced by her Polish heritage, repurposes cultural garments with a contemporary twist. “Each garment is crafted by internally displaced Ukrainian war refugees, providing them with a means of income and a chance to rebuild their lives,” added Bieciuk. “The show featured models from the St. Mary’s Prep Girls Division, some of the same students that helped contribute their efforts to raise money for the Ukrainian Relief Fund upon its onset. On behalf of the Polish Institute, I’m honored to share that to date, the Polish Mission – Ukrainian Relief Fund has raised $108,516.00, far exceeding its initial goal!”

Special thanks to the very generous supporters of this fund that is making a difference in the lives of so many.