A Door County company started selling candles for Ukraine. They raised $1+ million!

Door County Candle Company launches Jamaican Relief Candle to support those impacted by Hurricane Melissa. (Courtesy Door County Candle Company)

By Christina Lorey

March 4, 2025

Our president may not stand with Ukraine, but WE still can – and here’s a simple, but impactful way that supports an incredible Wisconsin business ⤵️

Christiana Gorchynsky Trapani, the owner of Door County Candle Company, is 100% Ukrainian. When Russia invaded the country many of her family members still call home, she started selling 16 oz., vanilla-scented blue and yellow candles to raise money for “Razom for Ukraine,” a non-profit that provides on-the-ground support to families affected by the ongoing war.

Christiana’s initial goal was to sell 30.

To date, she’s sold more than 100,000 – with 100% of the profits, about $10/candle, going to charity – for a grand total of $1 million and counting!

The best part? Christiana’s Ukrainian-born “baba” (grandma) includes a handwritten “thank you” note with many orders.

Door County Candle has also made and sent more than 10,000 tin candles for soldiers to use for light at night in their bunks or as a memorial for those who were killed by Russia.

🍽️ MORE: This Restaurant Brings a Taste of Ukraine to Wisconsin

Author

Christina Lorey

Christina Lorey is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist and former UpNorthNews newsletter editor. She previously worked as a producer, reporter, and TV anchor for stations in Madison and Moline. When she’s not writing or asking questions, Christina volunteers with Girls on the Run, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, and several mental health organizations.

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