STURGEON BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — A Door County candle business hopes to reach $1 million in its efforts to raise money for Ukrainians.
The Ukrainian family-owned Door County Candle Company has already raised more than $700,000 after making and selling special candles.
The Door County Candle Company says it hopes to reach its goal on or before Ukraine’s national Independence Day on Aug. 24.
“My family and I were devastated to hear what is happening in Ukraine and knew we needed to do something to help raise awareness and provide aid and relief from this terrible war. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from our community and all over the world to raise money to help Ukrainians, and I am hopeful we can unite to reach our $1 million goal together,” said Christiana Gorchynsky Trapani, owner of Door County Candle Company and a second-generation Ukrainian American.
When news broke of the Ukraine War on Feb. 24, Door County Candle Company immediately sprang into action to help. With hopes of selling a few hundred of its Ukraine candles, the company surpassed all expectations selling over 20,000 Ukraine candles in just two weeks— more candles than it typically sells in an entire year.
To help meet demand, the company received an out-pouring of support from neighbors and volunteers from miles around who helped clean, label and ship Ukraine candles all over the world.
Starting Monday through Aug. 24, the company is expanding its “Light to Unite” efforts by now also donating $5 from every online sale of its traditional yellow Lemongrass and blue Lakeshore 16 oz. candles– the official colors of Ukraine. Additionally, the company will continue to donate 100% of profits from its Ukraine candle.
“This Independence Day holds special significance for Ukrainians and is a reminder of why the ‘Light to Unite’ donations are so important. I hope this extra effort keeps Ukraine’s need on everyone’s mind and hearts to keep the support going,” added Trapani.
Donations are being made to Razom for Ukraine, a nonprofit dedicated to providing critical humanitarian war relief and recovery, evacuating vulnerable populations and advocating for Ukraine in the United States.
Trapani’s paternal and maternal grandparents emigrated to the United States from Ukraine and they keep in close contact with extended family that still lives in the western part of the country.
