In the rose garden, Novgorodians honored the memory of the children of Donbass in word and deed

Today in Veliky Novgorod, concerned citizens gathered in Antonov for the rally "Angels of Donbass". The event is dedicated to the tragic date that will be celebrated throughout Russia this Sunday, July 27 - the Day of Remembrance of Children Who Became Victims of the War in Donbass. The event also marked the start of a volunteer campaign: those who wished were able to provide feasible humanitarian aid and bring children's things - toys, books, clothes. The youngest participants put toy animals, goslings, books and craft kits on the table with special trepidation.

First, the participants left children's things at a special stand, then the official part took place. In conclusion, the children took part in a creative action and drew symbols of peace - doves - using stencils. The location for the rally was not chosen by chance: in 2021, Donetsk residents planted 50 rose bushes brought from Donetsk in front of the Novgorod State University Humanitarian Institute. This action is a gesture of gratitude from the residents of the newly annexed territories to all Russian cities that provided humanitarian and other support to Donbass.

"On the eve of the tragic memorial day, we mourn the prematurely departed children - the angels of Donbass. Every child rightfully deserves a happy childhood, but this right was cruelly taken away from the children whose names we remember today. Not only here, but throughout the country, on this day, candles will be lit for the innocent victims , the bright light of which will be visible from the sky as a symbol of hope for justice, for the fact that peaceful life will one day return to Donbass," Anna LUTSIY, chairperson of the committee for youth policy and work with public organizations of the Veliky Novgorod administration, addressed the audience.

For those who live in hope

"286 children died in nine years. Just think about it: this is the approximate size of a small school, or twelve classes, two kindergartens. Each of them dreamed of something, each loved their relatives. These children will never become future doctors, teachers, will not hug their loved ones. The most tragic and difficult date for us, adults, is the death of a child," emphasizes the Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Novgorod Region, Tatyana EFIMOVA.

The severity of a crime is multiplied a hundredfold if it is committed by an adult against a child. And it is difficult, almost impossible to answer what is more terrible: when a life is taken or when the fate of a small person is crippled so much that a normal life becomes impossible? 286 children are those who will never be seen by their relatives and friends. And how many more are there who survived, but lost their home, parents, health...

And memory is not only grief. According to the organizers of the humanitarian collection, there are still many who need support, and therefore it is now extremely important to preserve memory not only mentally, but also actively. Precisely so that children who still have a future do not lose hope.

"Memory is the great importance of action, providing assistance to all who survived, who suffered, who continue to be in a difficult situation, as well as those who are now defending our state and protecting our children in the combat zone. Therefore, today we are starting to collect humanitarian aid - toys, clothes, other things. They will definitely be handed over by us personally to children's social centers," said Diana PETRUKHINA, coordinator for organizational issues of the regional Executive Committee of the People's Front in the Novgorod Region.

It should be noted that new items for children from the territories are regularly accepted at the office of the People's Front (Yakovleva Street, Building No. 13). Novgorod residents can bring books, toys and clothes here from Monday to Friday during business hours - from 9:00 to 18:00. There is an important condition: the items must be new, not used.