Easter, known as the “Velykden” (The Great Day) is one of the most important holidays in Ukraine. In the Christian religion, it celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ and, in a cultural sense, it symbolizes hope for the new beginning and joy in welcoming a bright future. It is a kind and cheerful holiday, spent among the family, honoring traditions and ancestors. 

This year, on Velykden, our thoughts are with kids whose families are on the frontlines. So many of them were teachers, doctors, artists, scientists, cooks, and simply – parents to their children – on February 24th 2022. This year, their kids will be spending this special day without their moms and dads who are fighting to defend their country and their future, and some of whom will not be coming home, having given their lives in this fight. 

We cannot take away the children’s loss, but we can strive to lessen their anguish and try, even in a small, simple way, to bring a little joy and sunshine back into their lives. 

We are teaming with our partners – volunteers originally from Zaporizhzhya, Mariupol, Kharkiv, Kherson, Khmelnitsky and other parts in Ukraine affected by the war, who are working with thousands of kids from the frontline regions internally displaced within Ukraine.

We welcome your kind assistance in helping us bring sweets and presents to these children on this special holiday!

The URF Team