The grid in Ukraine is under attack by Russian military forces looking to “weaponize” the winter by plunging residents into the cold and dark and forcing Ukrainians to abandon their homes and businesses. It’s estimated that at least 40 to 50% of Ukraine’s grid has been destroyed. With a global electrical equipment supply chain crunch, the attacks could hardly come at a worse time.
Clarion Events, owners of DISTRIBUTECH, the largest annual gathering of T&D professionals set to take place in San Diego, February 7-9, wants to help.
The company announced on January 23 “Clarion Cares,” a new corporate initiative to give back to the communities that are affected by and engaged in its events. The first project the initiative will support is Energize Ukraine in partnership with the energy community through DISTRIBUTECH International. Support will continue through the power sector at POWERGEN International, which takes place February 21-23, 2023.
“Clarion understands the important role communities play in helping host our live events, and we want to return the favor. Clarion has established the charitable group Clarion Cares™ to support organizations that align with our core values: care, respect, service, compassion, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability,” stated Greg Topalian, CEO, North America of Clarion Events, Inc. “The Clarion Cares mission is to collaborate with the industries we serve and together give back to global and local communities which host and are touched by our live events.”
Clarion Events’ energy portfolio is the first to find a deep connection to a partner for this new corporate Clarion Cares initiative with its two events taking place this February.
“We are pleased to announce our partnership and support of Energize Ukraine through Clarion Cares. Together with the energy communities engaged with DISTRIBUTECH and POWERGEN, we strive to help collect and contribute with monetary donations and electrical equipment through the global coalition by the Ukrainian World Congress,” said Desiree Hanson, Executive Vice President of Clarion Events, Inc.
Read More:
You can help: Ukrainian officials share critical needs for electric power equipment
In Ukraine, power plant workers fight to save the grid
Energize Ukraine is a global initiative to immediately help the Ukrainian people rebuild their energy infrastructure which has been destroyed by Russia’s ruthless and massive missile attacks that have damaged over 40% of Ukraine’s infrastructure.
“The support of Clarion Cares and the energy community is urgent, and we thank Clarion Events for their generosity and compassion,” added Paul Grod, President of the Ukrainian World Congress. “Average Ukrainian citizens are without electricity, heat, and water. Temperatures are well below freezing. Seniors are trapped in their apartments as elevators are not operational. People will die if we do not help Ukraine immediately rebuild its electricity infrastructure.”
A kiosk for Energize Ukraine donations will be available at DISTRIBUTECH International®, which will be held in San Diego, California, February 7-9, and at POWERGEN International®, which will be held in Orlando, Florida, February 21-23. Additionally, DISTRIBUTECH will host a Special Briefing: Update on the Ukraine Electric Grid on February 8 during the event.
By donating funds, the Ukrainian World Congress will be able to fund the delivery of donated equipment or the purchase of new or used equipment to the areas of Ukraine that are most in need and have experienced the most devastating destruction. Learn more about the equipment needed here. Donate at energizeukraine.com.
