Christiana Gorchynsky Trapani from Wisconsin has found a creative way to give aid to Ukraine through her business, Door County Candle Co. According to Catholic News Service, she has created a 16 oz. candle with blue and yellow wax representing the Ukrainian flag with a scent of vanilla to raise money for Razom, meaning “together” in Ukrainian, a nonprofit organization that provides medical supplies for Ukrainians injured in the war with Russia. Trapani’s goal is to spread awareness of the crisis facing Ukrainians and make a difference in their dire circumstances by taking effective action.
Trapani shared that she was overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of support she has received. She has sold 8,000 candles, which sell for just under $30, and has ordered more supplies to be expedited to meet even more demand. Having a team of just seven people, her parents have volunteered to help meet the demand for the candles. With family in Ukraine, Trapani has a personal connection to the cause. Her family had planned a trip to go to Ukraine, which would have been Trapani’s first visit to the country, until it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Praying for an end to the war, she is hopeful that she will still be able to visit Ukraine.
One hundred percent of sales for the Ukrainian candle are going to the nonprofit, Razom, which is providing emergency response to Russia’s violent invasion through the distribution of critical medical supplies. Razom reported on Thursday that they have raised over $4 million in the past week and are expecting a 20 ton shipment of tactical medical and hospital supplies. They have also rented a Boeing 787 from LOT Polish Airlines and will fill the aircraft with supplies for Ukraine. According to their website, supplies include “large standard police bags with pre-set first aid content, including hydrogel bandages, valve bandages, modular bandages, waterproof individual bandages, rescue scissors, CELOX gauzes, etc., as well as medical stretchers.”
Trapani shared that she is grateful to be able to have a part in helping the Ukrainian people, and for the outpouring of support she has seen for Ukraine. She noted that after Russia’s invasion she felt “helpless and heartbroken,” but has now found hope and faith through “the power of prayer and the power of awareness.” Trapani encourages everyone to find a way to help Ukraine.