Ukrainian children have found a creative way to raise money as many families evacuate their homes amid Russia’s invasion that began two weeks ago.
The children are selling their artwork on Etsy, a website that sells handmade items and craft supplies.
“We can spend it for children — for our living,” Olena Dudnyk told NBC4. “This is a great help for us right now.”
Dudnyk’s 9-year-old son, Elya, sells his artwork for $5 per digital print on their Etsy shop called Woodlexx. One of his drawings depicts a Russian plane falling from the sky after being shot down by a Ukrainian tank with “No war” written at the bottom.
“He said this is how he see our win, Ukrainian win in this war,” Dudnyk said. “He says he’s proud [of the funds he’s raised].”
Dudnyk, her son, and 14 other relatives fled to a country home for safety after closing up their family’s woodworking business. She added the artwork helps keep the children busy while sheltering in the basement under the direction of air raid sirens.
“Now they have a contest between each other, and they, all the time, [are] asking how much money did they earn — that’s like a little fun for them,” she said.
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Another family also sells their children’s art, which includes patriotic colors of the Ukrainian flag, on HandtoolsDerdel.
Etsy CEO Josh Silverman announced new efforts to assist Ukrainian sellers on Wednesday, including curating a selection of digital listings based in Ukraine. Silverman also said any balances owed to Etsy from Ukrainian sellers were canceled.
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Silverman noted Russia-based listings on Etsy were temporarily deactivated in light of payment partners not currently operating in the country.
