Sunflowers for Ukraine

When I saw the news that Russia launched a large-scale military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, at first I felt disbelief and then sadness for the Ukrainian people and what they are having to go through. Then, I wanted to take action and do something to help. So I created Sunflowers for Ukraine. Scroll down to read more and to purchase.

Sunflowers for Ukraine: Photography and digital art. Copyright © 2022 Karmen Naccarato

It is estimated that more than 500,000 Ukrainian Evacuees have fled since the attack began, and that number is expected to rise dramatically. It is winter in Ukraine. Families travel for days in the cold. Many have to leave their cars and any possessions they brought with them to walk to the border. Men are taking their families to the border of neighboring countries and leaving them, turning back to defend Ukraine.

I chose this image because the sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and traditionally represents the warmth and power of the Sun. At the start of Russia's invasion, a Ukrainian woman walked up to a Russian soldier and said, "Take these seeds and put them in your pockets so at least sunflowers will grow when you lie down here." Sunflowers are now being used as a symbol of resistance and freedom for the Ukrainian people. Sunflowers have always been a favorite of mine and I make sure to include them in my garden every summer. This particular sunflower I used to create this art is from my garden last summer (2021).

I created Sunflowers for Ukraine to help raise funds to help the Ukrainian refugees. 100% of sales during the month of March will go to Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). GEM focuses on providing short-term vital necessities and relocation of thousands of Ukrainian refugees, who are mainly women and children. I chose GEM because according to their website, 97% of all donations go to their support programs. Prints are available in my shop.

Some of my ancestors were German Mennonites. They fled Germany, due to religious persecution, and settled on the lands of what is now Ukraine where they lived for several generations. My great-great-great-grandparents are thought to be buried in Ukraine and I very well may have distant relatives who still live there. Through doing genealogy work with my dad and learning more about my ancestors who lived there, Ukraine has a special place in my heart.

My heart and prayers go out to the Ukrainian people. I hope that the sale of this art helps even a little bit.

UPDATE March 8, 2022: It is being reported that there are two-million Ukrainian Evacuees, mostly women, children, and the elderly.

So far we have raised $375 from the sale of these prints. Thank you for your generosity! Prints will be ordered the week of March 7 - 11, 2022. As more orders come in, another batch of prints will be ordered around the end of March. Check back here for more updates.

UPDATE April 22, 2022: Your generosity raised $500 for Ukrainian refugees! Thank you! Proof of donation below: