Olomouc, Ukraine − How important are Christmas gifts for Ukrainian children? For example, the family of little Sergij is brought closer when modeling figures. Vlad’s family broke up due to an armed conflict in the east of the country, but today he has forgotten his worries by unpacking the Manchester United sports uniform along with other gifts. He is a promising football player. This year, almost 400 children from low-income families and orphanages will be happy because of the packages. On Friday, December 13th, at 9am, Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc workers and their assistants will begin loading gifts.

Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc announced the beginning of the charity event named “Christmas present” for the 11th time this year. The gifts were prepared by people from all over the Czech Republic, including whole families, students of schools, companies and some Caritas. The parcel weighs more than a ton. “For children and their families, the package is a significant financial aid that will save money on food, electricity or rent. For those children who do not live with their parents, the package is a symbolic gesture which shows them that there is someone in the other part of world who thinks about them,” − said project coordinator Khrystyna Novodvorska. According to her, these are children whose families need financial help, some of them have lost one of their parents, others live in orphanages.

In the first half of January, Caritas Olomouc Archdiocese workers will personally hand over presents to children in Bortniky, Lopatin, Kolomyia and Ternopil. Specifically donors, could choose these children through the Caritas database, where they had the opportunity to find out how old the children are, size of their clothes, shoes etc. There have been 381 children in the database this year. Despite this, more children will receive gifts. We received a lot of beautiful gifts from people of Vrbna pod Pradědem. The collection of things there was organized by the Vrbna Friends Association. Thus, we have the opportunity to make more children happy in the orphanages of Kolomyia and Bortniky. And also, other children from Lopatin.” − adds Christina Novodvorska.

People of good will can also support the event financially through our bank account – 4030207/0100

THANK YOU

Karolína Opatřilová, Archdiocesan Caritas Olomouc