Eurovision winners Ukraine auction off their trophy to raise money for their country’s army

May 30, 2022 Alan Cross 0 Comments 0 min read

Ukraine’s Kalush Orchestra was the big winner in the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest earlier this month. The group had to be given special permission by the government to travel to Turin because all able-bodied men their age are now required to enlist in the army to fight the Russian invasion. At least one member is already enlisted and fighting.

The help the army raise much-needed money, Kalush Orchestra auctioned off their Eurovision Trophy, raising 500 Ethereums (about US$900,000).

There was also a raffle (five euros a pop) for a chance to win frontman Oleh Psiuk’s pink bucket hat that he wore during the finals. That raised another US$370,000.

The money will be used to buy three PD-2 drone systems.

(Via CMU)

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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