LEXINGTON,Ky. — Customers at Brevede Coffee Co. in Lexington received a free coffee and pastry item courtesy of Father Jim Sichko. 100% of the proceeds from Monday are going directly to supporting Ukrainians.  

What You Need To Know

  • Brevede Coffee Co. is working to raise money for Ukraine

  • Father Jim Sichko paid for everyone who came into Brevede

  • Brevede Coffee Co. owner was born in Ukraine

  • The owners and their family are humbled by the outpouring from their community

Viorika Kopets, the owner of Brevede, was born in Ukraine and lived in Moldova most of her childhood.

“My mother’s side is Ukrainian, my father’s side is Moldova. So these are two countries that border one another,” Kopets said.

For nearly two years, Kopets has owned this coffee shop in Lexington.

“Father Jim Sichko, he’s basically covering everybody’s drinks and everybody’s food items. If you come in, you stay inside, you can get it all covered and what in turn is we are donating all of that Ukraine,” Kopets said.

Partnering with Father Jim Sichko for the day, Kopets brother, Vladimir Gorash says seeing the community gather together was heartwarming. 

“I’m excited to share the videos and pictures of all this to them as well so they can show it to the Ukrainians they’re showing that hey this is for you from all other end of the world this is all going on for you guys,” Gorash said.

Kopets’ family came to America in 1991 and moved to Kentucky in 2007. Growing up in Moldova and often visiting Ukraine, Gorash says there are no words to explain his emotions.

“It’s very personal. It’s like people that I know. There’s a bunch of people that are just being affected by it, you know, they’re being chased out of their homes and had to move anywhere as long as it’s not home because it’s not safe,” Gorash said.

And says being in America has provided unique opportunities to give.

“And so it’s just kind of just seeing that happening, you know, and it’s like, if we didn’t live here, this could have been us,” Gorash said.

Proud of his community and proud of his sister, using her business to make an impact in their home, and creating an opportunity for Kentuckians to make a change. 

The owners of the coffee shop say their mission from the start has always been to help people in need, locally and globally. Brevede will continue collecting donations, and creating opportunities for Kentuckians to support Ukraine. 

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