City Council's $1,400 Candle Purchase: Supplier Details and Purpose Revealed

Lutsk City Council's Aromatic Candle Purchase

According to Главком: Lutsk City Council has purchased 100 scented candles for 55,000 Ukrainian hryvnias (approximately $1,400 USD) from entrepreneur Iryna Turevych. The procurement was conducted through the Prozorro public procurement platform and is funded by the local budget. The primary purpose of the purchase is to create gift sets for awards and recognitions presented by the city council and the mayor.

The supply contract was signed on February 3, 2026, following a tender held on February 5. Each candle costs 550 hryvnias. The candles are uniquely designed in the shape of the entrance tower of Lutsk Castle, giving them a distinct local character.

Iryna Turevych, who has been registered as an entrepreneur since 2024, has already received over 230,000 hryvnias from the city council for various contracts. She is a well-known craftswoman specializing in handmade candles, ceramics, and other souvenir items.

Her husband is a serving member of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and she actively participates in veteran business fairs. By contracting with this entrepreneur for souvenir candles, Lutsk City Council is supporting a military family and encouraging other veteran-owned businesses to develop and participate in such markets. This type of procurement is part of a broader effort in Ukraine to support domestic producers and veteran entrepreneurs during wartime.

Social Responsibility and Support for Local Entrepreneurs

The candle purchase by Lutsk City Council reflects a growing trend of supporting local entrepreneurs, particularly veterans, which could serve as a model for other local governments. By backing businesses founded by veterans, the city council not only fosters economic development but also elevates the importance of social responsibility within local communities.