RSU’s Ačkups ensemble brings the house down with charity performance “Kas te rīb”

On 12 April, the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) folk dance ensemble Ačkups organised a charity performance titled "Kas te rīb". The goal of the event was to raise donations for the Children’s Clinical University Hospital (BKUS) initiative Drosmes kaste (Box of Courage), which provides support to children in the hospital by offering them toys, games, or books as encouraging surprises after medical procedures or during difficult times.

Elita Treilone, the leader of Ačkups, praised the thoughtful way the performance had been organised, highlighting the exceptional audience and the warm atmosphere. She also noted how cultural events can serve charitable purposes: ‘We organise a spring performance every year and wanted to give it added value so decided to support the BKUS initiative. We contacted the hospital and its foundation, and they were very interested and pleasantly surprised by the idea of a charity performance. We invited some friends—eight dance ensembles and young dancers from the Dzirnas dance school. Since the cause was to support children, we wanted children to be involved.’ In addition to Ačkups, the performance featured other dance ensembles.

A children’s art exhibition was set up outside the RSU Great Hall. ‘We invited young patients from BKUS as well as children from kindergartens to contribute their drawings. The theme was “What’s in your dream box?” We had also planned to give a live performance at BKUS, but that had to be cancelled due to a quarantine,’ Treilone explained.

Donations came in not only from the proceeds and participants of the performance, but also from the ensembles themselves, who were encouraged to donate new toys or books to help replenish the BKUS Box of Courage.