In Zaporizhzhia, the Ukrainian Red Cross Organised a Charity Fair and Collected Over 200 Kilos of Pet Food
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, many Ukrainians have been forced to flee their homes due to constant shelling and air raids, with some even abandoning their pets. According to a study conducted by the Ukrainian public opinion research centre, SocioInform, the number of cats and dogs under the care of animal volunteers in frontline regions has increased by an average of 60% and in shelters by more than 100%.
The situation is similar in Orikhiv and Huliaipole, frontline towns that face constant shelling and destruction almost every day. Volunteers of the Zaporizhzhia regional branch of the Ukrainian Red Cross regularly deliver humanitarian aid to the affected population. Recently, having learnt about the number of stray dogs and cats there, the volunteers set up feeding stations for their four-legged friends.
This time, the Zaporizhzhia regional organisation of the Ukrainian Red Cross organised a charity fair called ‘Happy Paws’ at one of the city’s academic lyceums to support stray animals in the frontline region of Zaporizhzhia. As part of the charity event, schoolchildren prepared drawings, patriotic bracelets, toys, and various handmade jewellery. Attendees were invited to bring food and exchange it for any of the available items.
During the fair, the representatives of the organisation also collected waste paper and recyclable materials, which they later exchanged for pet food.
The organisers arranged engaging interactive activities for secondary school students at three locations: ‘Creative Workshop,’ ‘Psychosocial Support,’ and ‘First Aid.’ Students participated in workshops on bracelet weaving from satin ribbons, interactive games, and, notably, practised first aid for emergencies.
Initially, the volunteers aimed to collect 140 kg of pet food, but they exceeded expectations by collecting over 200 kg. In the near future, they plan to deliver the food to Orikhiv and Huliaipole.
