The children of Kherson do not grow up in years, but in seconds… between the sound of a shot being fired and the moment of impact.

The children of Kherson don't walk the streets with headphones on, because the music stops them «watching the sky». They know the sound of each type of drone better than they know the names of the birds.

Children in Kherson do not go for walks in the parks. Instead, they run to take shelter under the eaves of houses and in the protective shade of trees to hide for a moment from the «eyes» of the enemy.

With our friends from the Union of Help to Kherson (https://biz.ks.ua), we’ve come to realise that, whilst we cannot yet give them back a peaceful sky, we can restore their right to be children, at least for one evening.

Inside each rucksack, they’ll find toys, craft activities and board games to share with their friends and family, as well as a paint-by-numbers kit. And, of course, a power bank to ensure the children stay connected at all times. 

We would also like to extend a very special thank you to Pascal, a German donor, and his friends, without whom none of this would have been possible. Pascal contacted us a while ago to suggest raising funds for this project through a running event he took part in in Berlin, by getting his friends and family to sponsor him.

This wonderful chain of generosity and solidarity isn’t going to stop there: following on from Pascal’s efforts, we’ve received donations from Canada, the Netherlands and Germany… Watch this space!

Thank you to everyone who is helping us to put smiles back on the faces of the children of Kherson. They are our future, and we must protect them above all else. 

You can help us do more by making a donation to our association.

*Note: All photographs of children featured here have been published with their parents’ consent.*