As part of the ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ media coalition campaign, Virgin Media Television will broadcast a brand-new documentary on Wednesday 29th June that follows Irish band Aslan as they work with the Irish Red Cross to bring together members of the Ukrainian community in Ireland new and old to record a charity single to support the people and country in their time of need.
Aslan and the newly-formed choir will perform their take on the band’s 1986 hit ‘This Is’ with all money raised going to charities in Ireland and Ukraine, including The Red Cross, to support their ongoing work to assist those impacted by the unfolding Ukraine Crisis.
This one-hour documentary will also tell the stories of newly-arrived Ukrainian immigrants to Ireland.
Christy, Alan, Joe & Billy of Aslan and their manager Denise McCormack said: “This project began from our performance on The Late Late that was dedicated to the people from Ukraine. Following this, we felt we wanted to do more and with our song This Is, we made contact with the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal with the idea of forming a choir which would be made up of the refugees from Ukraine and recording THIS IS….for Ukraine with them.
“The experience was so emotional in many different ways for us all. We have met so many amazingly brave people from the Ukraine and to hear their own personal experiences is heart-breaking and then to have the privilege of working with these amazing people and see them smile, dance and sing! It was so uplifting. We have to remember, their war still exists and is not over. We need to continue to support in every way we can.”
Charlie Lamson, Head of Fundraising with the Irish Red Cross said: “This has been an incredible journey with Aslan as well as our friends in the Ukrainian community here in Ireland. The song is absolutely beautiful – but is made stronger by the incredible contribution of the Ukraine choir that supported the group. With so much suffering, it was so moving to see everyone come together in this moment of peace and hope.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Ireland added: “Aslan and the choir of people from Ukraine look set to capture the hearts of the nation. ‘The documentary detailing the making of ‘THIS IS…..for Ukraine’ promises to be an emotional television event which no doubt will in particular strike a chord with Irish communities welcoming people seeking shelter and safety. ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ is actively supporting refugees arriving into our country, money raised is being used to provide clothing, food and shelter as well as longer term supports such as access to education, training and work. On behalf of all our partners I want to thank Aslan for this huge act of generosity.”
Ireland for Ukraine is a united response from Irish media organisations to harness the generosity of the Irish public and ensure it reaches those who need it most. All donations will go into a fund managed by the Community Foundation for Ireland. 50% of the money is being divided among a range of Irish international aid agencies (Irish Red Cross, UNICEF Ireland, Concern Worldwide and Trócaire). The other 50% will be made available as grants to charities and agencies in Ireland who will be working to help people from Ukraine who have come to Ireland with a range of urgent and essential needs. Applications can be made through www.communityfoundation.ie. The closing date is 30th June 2022.
Watch ‘This Is for Ukraine’ on Wednesday 29th June at 9pm on Virgin Media One. ‘THIS IS…For Ukraine’ goes on sale on iTunes on Wednesday 29th June at 9am.
