On International Children’s Day in Odesa, activists from the NGO “Free and Faithful” organized a large-scale celebration for young residents whose parents are defending Ukraine. Despite the grim realities and an air raid alert, which they spent in a certified shelter, the children eagerly participated in drawing, sculpting, and various contests arranged by animators. According to the organizers, it is crucial to make every effort to ensure that children, especially those whose parents have either died defending Ukraine or remain in the ranks of the Defense Forces, can enjoy a happy childhood as much as possible.
“Protecting our children during the war is the most sacred duty we can imagine. Children are our future, our hope. We gathered over 100 children in Odesa, held three celebrations in Mykolaiv region, and also in Vinnytsia region. We believe that all children deserve a normal childhood filled with joy, laughter, and safety, even in the darkest of times. That’s why we tried to give them this celebration. Every child’s smile is a ray of light that reminds us of what we are fighting for on the front lines. We do everything possible to create these moments of happiness for the children, as their dreams and peace are of the utmost value to us,” said Vitalii Hersak, founder of the NGO “Free and Faithful”. In addition to a fun entertainment program, face painting, and lively activities, the children also received pleasant gifts—school backpacks and sweets.
“Our soldiers are laying down their lives so that children can live in a normal society, where there are children’s holidays, and where kids can engage in activities they should—contests and games. Therefore, this kind of support is also a way of supporting their parents who are defending us from the invasion,” emphasized Pavlo Zhuravlov, head of the Odesa branch of Free and Faithful.
In addition to Odesa, the volunteers also organized three festive events for 150 children in the Mykolaiv region and another for 100 children in the Vinnytsia region, where branches of the NGO “Free and Faithful” are active.
