Elton John: "This was one of the most unforgettable concerts!"

Today Sir Elton John has addressed the Ukrainians with his words of gratitude for the heartily welcome and solidarity in fighting AIDS: "I would like to thank Kyivans for their incredible hospitality they have shown during my staying in Ukraine. So was, beyond any doubt, one of the most unforgettable concerts in the most wonderful place among the ones I have ever performed in. I was happy to see so many politicians, influential and well-known people, enjoying respect in the society, and a great number of spectators being united not only for seeing my show but to publicly declare absolute war to HIV/AIDS in Ukraine. Indifference, stereotypes, prejudices and prejudgment - these are our main rivals in this struggle. 200 thousand people came to demonstrate their unity in fighting the epidemy and to support the efforts of Elton John's AIDS Fond and Elena Franchuk's "ANTIAIDS" Foundation. I promise to continue our work in Ukraine. Together we can change the situation. Thank you, Kyiv!", mentions Sir Elton's addressing.

The great interest in the concert has also been demonstrated by the viewers of Noviy TV Channel: during the concert broadcasting, its audience share reached 20%, which was a record for the channel. Totally 5 million viewers of all ages have been watching the performance on TV. 60 thousand flyers with HIV/AIDS information, 150 thousand leaflets concerning HIV testing info, provided by Kyiv City AIDS Centre, as well as 49 thousand condoms, provided by Durex TM on free-of-charge basis, have been distributed among the spectators before and after the show by 220 volunteers, mainly being the students of Kyiv universities. Alongside with volunteers, participating in the campaign, the information materials and condoms had also been distributed by famous Ukrainian musicians, supporting the Foundation's initiative, namely Aviator group participants, Nastia Kamenskih and Potap.

Enthusiasm of the Ukrainians inspired Elton John and the musicians of his band. As the musicians told to "ANTIAIDS" Foundation employees, the greatest sensation for them was the moment of entering the stage, when the British guests found out they could not see the end of the sea of spectators: "This was an unbelievable, inspiring moment. At this very moment we wished to play with maximum commitment for the people gathering there".

Elena Franchuk is confident that live performance by Elton John will benefit to fundamental change in attitude towards AIDS problem within Ukrainian society: "I'm so glad that people could experience these wonderful feelings, thanks to lively and emotional performance by Sir Elton John. I hope that hundreds of thousands Ukrainians are going to remember the concert for their entire life. And I do believe they will not forget the problem that the concert was dedicated to. And, recollecting their encounter with Elton John, they will remember: you are saving others by saving yourself. We don't have to fear - we have to defend ourselves. Today the whole country discusses the AIDS problem, and that means we have won the first victory on the epidemy".

Sir Elton John, in his turn, promised to attract the best international forces to fighting AIDS in Ukraine: I believe all the people in this world are equal, no matter the nationality, religion or colour of their skin. I am happy for being able to give love and make other people happy. There are many problems in the world. I want people, living with HIV, to lead a decent life. I know there are hundreds of thousands of HIV infected people in Ukraine, but we are still not even aware of the exact number of sufferers. Most of them do not even know about their status and continue spreading the disease. I am confident that in this situation we have to help Ukraine by all means available. My promise to you is to dedicate my time and the resources of my Fond to fight epidemy in Ukraine. AIDS is the problem we cannot ignore anymore. Let us meet epidemy face to face, let us remember that we are all under the threat; so let us give love, hope and support to those already living with HIV. Together we can stop AIDS!", such was the call of the legendary singer and composer before leaving Ukraine.

By the end of July, 18th, more than half of a million Hryvnias of charitable endowments, made by the guests of the concert, were directed to "ANTIAIDS" Foundation. And this is not the final amount, for the money have been transferred to the Foundation's bank account throughout Monday and still continue to come.

"ANTIAIDS" Foundation will commit the means collected to the projects for fighting AIDS and giving the direct support to people suffering from AIDS.
Within the nearest time, a joint project by Elena Franchuk's "ANTIAIDS" Foundation and Elton Jonh's AIDS Foundation shall be started. 2,5 million US Dollars, assigned by "ANTIAIDS" Foundation for the project, shall be spent on the special programs to support Ukrainian HIV-infected children, primarily orphans.

"Our aspiration is that every child suffering from AIDS epidemy finds himself a loving family. Besides that, we should teach the HIV-positive children not only how to live with this status, but to live a full life. On the other hand, the society has to learn accepting these children as its full members and to support them instead of rejecting. Elton Jоhn's Fond has accumulated a wealth of experience in supporting such children. We cannot be indifferent towards AIDS and people, living with HIV. Such a behaviour breaks people's destinies and favours further disease spreading. Indifference means complicity", emphasized Elena Franchuk.

The support in organization of concert has been provided by Kyiv State City Administration, Head Department of Internal Affairs in Kyiv, Kyiv City AIDS Centre, "Boris" Private Hospital, "DUREX" TM, Novy, ICTV, STB, M1 TV Channels, HIT FM Radio Station and Facts Newspaper.

For details, please, contact the Olga Rudneva, Director of Elena Franchuk's "ANTIAIDS" Foundation.
Tel. + 380 44 490 4805, Fax + 380 44 490 4885, E-mail: [email protected]

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