Leo Yuffa emigrated to the U.S. as a 9-year-old with his parents and brothers from the former Soviet Union in 1979 “to pursue a dream and freedom.” Now, he hopes to help Ukrainians with a fundraiser through his business, .
Dazbog, which is the state’s biggest independent coffee roaster and purveyor, will donate a portion of its sales to the International Committee of the Red Cross from Monday, Feb. 28, to Sunday, March 13. Donations include 5% of all in-store beverage sales and $3 per bag of Dazbog’s Svoboda, or “Freedom” Blend, sold online or at participating stores.
“This is happening to people that lived their free lives in Ukraine since ’91, and those dreams are pretty much over for now,” Yuffa said. “But, we have hope.”
He described the community’s response to the fundraiser as “so positive” that they extended it from its original end date. “We’ve always been very grateful for the community that we’re in and the fact that our parents gave us this opportunity for freedom and a chance to do what we want to do without oppression,” Yuffa said in a phone interview.
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine hits him personally because his father’s roots are tied to Odesa, one of Ukraine’s largest port cities. The family arrived in the U.S. with $800 to their names and “not a word of English,” he said.
By 1996, Yuffa and his brother, Anatoly, started Dazbog with their life savings, and “never looked back.” This May, they’ll celebrate the 26th anniversary of their business, which now consists of more than 20 statewide, according to the coffee shop’s website. Dazbog translates to “God gives,” but it generally means good fortune, Yuffa explained.
Local fundraisers are continuing to pop up since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24. While Ukrainians are resisting Russian forces with a brazenness that has defied global expectations, there is no end in sight yet for the war. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Thursday that Ukrainians already in the country will receive temporary protected status from deportation, along with the option of work permits, for 18 months.
The following list will be updated as we learn of more Denver-area fundraisers for Ukraine. If your event is missing from this list, please reach out via email with details.
Denver-area fundraisers for Ukraine aid
“Immersive Shevchenko: Soul of Ukraine”
The former Regency Hotel will launch “Immersive Shevchenko: Soul of Ukraine,” a new immersive installation featuring the work of Taras Shevchenko, a Ukrainian artist and political activist. Viewings will begin on March 15. Tickets range from $30 to $90, with all ticket proceeds donated to the Red Cross Emergency Relief Fund for Ukraine and the National Bank of Ukraine Fund. 3900 Elati St.,
Fundraiser at Wake & Take
Local nonprofit Ukrainians of Colorado is hosting a fundraiser at the Ukrainian-owned coffee shop from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, March 6. The organization urges local businesses to donate items, services or money. The group plans to send containers with medical supplies to Ukraine. 2337 S. Blackhawk St., Aurora
Cocktails for Our Heroes at The Wild
Ukrainians of Colorado will hold another fundraiser at downtown Denver cocktail bar The Wild from noon-4 p.m. March 13. All proceeds from drinks sold during the event will be donated to Ukrainian aid efforts. 1660 Wynkoop St. Suite 100,
Pysanky for Peace
in Lakewood will host a beginner Ukrainian Easter egg workshop with Maria Valentina Sheets, an artist and art conservator, who will teach classes on how to prep and decorate ornate, traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs called Pysanky. Classes will be held on March 14, 15, 21 and 22 (12, 3 and 6 p.m.) and April 2 and 9 (9 a.m.). To participate, a $100 donation is required, which will go directly to the International Rescue Committee for Ukrainian aid. 445 S Saulsbury St., Lakewood,
