Through our "I Stand with Ukraine Through Darkness" collection, the Kyiv Independent's e-store raised $7,873 for Starenki, a charitable organization supporting elderly Ukrainians through the winter crisis.
Our partnership with Starenki began in January and concluded on February 3. Starenki is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting elderly Ukrainians living in vulnerable situations. This campaign specifically addressed the humanitarian crisis caused by Russia's relentless attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which left millions in darkness and freezing apartments throughout the winter.
Through sales of our "I Stand with Ukraine Through Darkness" collection, with 100% of proceeds directed to this cause, we funded essential survival packages for seniors facing freezing temperatures without power. In Zhytomyr Oblast alone, 50 seniors received "warm kits" containing blankets, power banks, thermoses, and candles, while another 50 received vital food supplies. Additionally, the funds are providing 26 high-capacity power banks for seniors in Kyiv to ensure they remain connected and safe during blackouts.
The impact of this campaign extended far beyond our store. Inspired by learning about Starenki's work, our community took direct action: the organization gained over 44 new monthly Patreon supporters (totaling $1,000 per month in recurring donations) and received approximately $5,000 in direct one-time donations.
Thank you to everyone who supported this initiative. Together, we helped Ukraine's most vulnerable citizens endure the darkest days of winter.