Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Dear Editor,

I got into an argument with a good friend about Yuliya Popova’s piece (Kyiv Post, Feb. 26, “Charity is great, but no need for go-go girls on the program”). I had read it briefly before the argument and found myself thinking – “yep, that’s about right.”

My friend was beside himself on account of Popova’s accusations of Westerners and their Ukrainian tart girlfriends. I read it a second time to see what I missed. The piece is long on worthier ways of raising money. But then, towards the end, Popova says that expatriates deserve a celebration for raising money. I read it as a pretty mild dig at the sexist undertone of Burns Night.

I didn’t attend this year. But, by the sound of it, it was as before. I tend to feel if people want to go and watch scantily or unclad women or men that it is fair enough, but for charity fundraising? If the show attracts a greater attendance and the money goes for good causes, then it’s a pretty powerful justification. I strongly suspect the show maximizes fundraising in current-day Kyiv.

Concerned with being a prude, I wonder: if sex on stage puts bums on seats and delivers money to good causes, it’d be good to put on something for the ladies and the gay at the same time, at least this would inject some humor into the business, if not the restraint charity dinners are associated with.

Looking at the comments on the Kyiv Post website, it looks like you kicked the holy cow and didn’t get much charity.

Phil Hudson, founder of the real estate consultancy operating in Ukraine since 1993.