Santa’s Birds – Птахи Санти: UWC collects half a million dollars for Ukrainian defenders

The Ukrainian World Congress has announced the results of the Santa’s Birds – Птахи Санти fundraising campaign – it successfully raised 519,095 USD or 19,697,324 UAH for the needs of Ukrainian defenders. With these funds, 1,000 FPV drones will be purchased.

Friends of Ukraine and Ukrainian communities in over 25 countries, including France, the UK, Australia, the USA, Canada, and Poland, joined the campaign. In total, 1,193 donors participated, including both individual contributors and various organizations, chambers of commerce, and businesses.

“UWC has contributed significantly to the strengthening of the capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces,” said UWC President Paul Grod. “Over the last twenty-two months, the Ukrainian World Congress has played a pivotal role in supporting Ukrainian frontline defenders, paramedics, territorial defense forces, and refugees by providing crucial supplies such as tactical medical supplies, armored evacuation vehicles, protective ballistic equipment, drones and more”. 

The first 500 FPV Drones, necessary accessories, and ground communications radio stations have already been procured and successfully delivered to: the 215th battalion of the 125th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 109th  Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 130th battalion of the 241st Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and the Unmanned Aviation Battalion of Territorial Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, under military unit A4742.

Andrew Potichnyj, the Director of the UWC’s Unite with Ukraine initiative, has emphasized the importance of collective efforts by Ukrainians and their supporters worldwide to achieve great results. The ongoing campaign, known as Santa’s Birds – Птахи Санти, is a prime example of the Ukrainian diaspora’s determination to strengthen the battlefield capabilities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This initiative is characterized by concrete and tangible actions rather than mere words. Despite the progress made so far, much more must be done.

Potichnyj thanked all the incredible donors for their unwavering support of Ukrainian Defenders.

“We would like to express our gratitude to all Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine from all corners of the planet. We want to give a special thanks to the Australian Ukrainian community, led by Stefan Romaniv, the UWC First Vice President, and Jarema Polatajko, Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations Finance Director, for driving the Santa’s Drones fundraising campaign ‘down under.’ Their efforts resulted in the most significant contribution from any Ukrainian community worldwide, which included 80 FPV Drones valued at USD 40,000,” said Potichnyj.

The Director of the UWC’s Unite with Ukraine also expressed his gratitude to Christian Borys, Saint Javelin, and their entire community for their exceptional support.   

The procurement process for the remaining drones is well underway. 

We are thankful to everyone who contributed to the Santa’s Drones Птахи Санти campaign. Without your generosity, this tremendous success would not have been possible!