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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>Hello Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>As we know, war is brutal for all, and particularly for people with disabilities. <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Jonathon Mosen, a blind podcaster, author, New Zealand radio personality and more, has spear-headed an effort to provide financial aid to blind Ukrainians . This aid will be in the form of a concert, performers coming from a world-wide blind community. You may send a very good recording of your musical talents, or plan on listening and giving whatever large or small amount of money that you can spare. The concert will be on April 16 at 10:00 AM Alaska time. To learn more, I invite you to click on this link <o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><a href="https://mushroomfm.com/withyou">We're With u. Blind performing artists' Virtual Benefit Concert for blind Ukrainians on 16 April | Mushroom FM</a><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Directly from the webpage:<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:10.5pt;line-height:36.75pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:26.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#181818;letter-spacing:-.75pt'>“We're With U. Blind performing artists' Virtual Benefit Concert for blind Ukrainians on 16 April<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:7.5pt;line-height:20.5pt;background:white'><b><span style='font-size:16.0pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#181818;letter-spacing:-.75pt'>Welcome<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>On 24 February, Russian forces invaded Ukraine. The death toll is mounting. Families have been torn apart as some seek refuge in other countries, while others stay to fight for their country's freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>One of the consequences of war is that it results in life-changing impairments, including blindness. Another is that war leaves those who are already blind vulnerable and at risk.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>The situation has made many of us feel helpless and heartsick. But there are things we can do, ways we can help.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>On Saturday 16 April at 2 PM Eastern time in North America, 7 PM in the UK, that's Sunday morning at 4 AM in Eastern Australia, 6 AM in New Zealand, the global online blind community is joining together for We're With U, a benefit concert to help blind people who have been affected by the atrocities in Ukraine.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>If you're a blind performing artist, you know that music has power. This is your chance to perform to a worldwide audience while lending a helping hand to those who desperately need your help. If you appreciate great music in a range of styles, this is your chance to listen to some of the best the blind community has to offer, while also donating to support blind Ukrainians.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>Every cent raised will reach organizations assisting blind Ukrainians, thanks to our partnership with the World Blind Union's Unity Fund. World Blind Union is the global organization representing the estimated 253 million persons who are blind or partially sighted worldwide. They are working actively with organizations in the area who are providing support to Ukraine. With their support, you can be sure that the generous donation you make will go to a project that makes a difference.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>We also thank the National Federation of the Blind for their considerable moral, infrastructural and communications support for this project.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>So, check it out and plan on listening to this incredible show. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal style='margin-bottom:15.0pt;background:white'><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"PT Sans",sans-serif;color:#444444'>Warmest Regards,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Bonnie Lucas<br>President<br>National Federation of the Blind of Alaska<br>Cell: 907-301-6808<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Email: <a href="mailto:lucas.bonnie@gmail.com">lucas.bonnie@gmail.com</a><br><br><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Web: <a href="https://alaskanfb.org/">alaskanfb.org</a><a name="_Hlk16627103"><br></a><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk16627103'>The National Federation of the Blind knows that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. You can live the life you want; blindness is not what holds you back.</span><span style='mso-bookmark:_Hlk16627103'></span><o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='color:#BFBFBF'>[Delegate-BML]<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></body></html>