FROM LOUISVILLE WITH LOVE

Paula Henson • Oct 20, 2022

HUMANITARIAN AID IN UKRAINE

Where to begin?


We are plant people - what does that have to do with Ukraine?


Well - first, we are family people. The Henson Family (owners of Above the Dirt) have their own experiences with war. Chris is a Combat Veteran and served in Afghanistan. When Kabul fell we were able to assist in helping families escape. You can read all about it here.


When Ukraine was invaded we had no way of helping - not like in Afghanistan. Paula heard that one way to successfully send money was to order something off of Etsy that was owned by someone in Ukraine. So she bought these flowers from a lovely lady in Kiev. They arrived, and are a permanent piece of decor at the shop. Paula posted about it on FB and Instagram, and it got the attention of Lena - and we decided right then and there that we wanted to do something to raise money for Ukraine!


Lena came to Louisville as a refugee many years ago. She had no money, no local connections, and didn’t speak English. Despite her limited communication ability, a local flower shop took a chance on her and taught Lena the art of flower arranging — the universal language of love. Lena used it to pay forward, help others in similar circumstances. Lena has crafted plantangements for a silent auction - on October 22, 2022 from 10-2 at Above the Dirt. With a flair for mixed media, Lena has combined dried flowers, propagated plants, and mature houseplants in unique arrangements.  Donations will also be accepted that day. You can see all of her beautiful arrangements here.


Lena introduced Paula to Natasha Reimer - Executive Director of Mulberry International. Mulberry has been providing direct humanitarian aid to Ukraine since 2015. Natasha was born in Ukraine, has direct connections in Ukraine, and has a personal passion for helping families that have been displaced due to war. The current need is food, shelter, and firewood. It will soon get into single-digit temperatures in Ukraine, and many families will not have access to heat.


All proceeds from the Silent Auction on Oct 22 will go directly to Mulberry International. The plants were donated by Above the Dirt, and the pots and arrangements were donated by Lena.


At any time - you can donate directly to Mulberry International.

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