The U.S.-Ukraine Foundation strongly believes that sustainable fashion will benefit the global community and devotes the Design for a Cause project to combating the trafficking of Ukraine’s women and children.
According to the Department of State’s 2011 Human Trafficking Report, Ukrainian victims are trafficked to a number of countries, including Russia, Poland, Turkey, Spain, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Syria and the United States.
Homeless children and children in orphanages are particularly vulnerable to trafficking in Ukraine. In an effort to combat this trend, the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s Design for a Cause project aims to raise funds for Ukraine’s children by auctioning innovative creations of ties, scarves and other accessories donated by celebrities and manipulated by prominent designers.
We are in a process of finding designers who share our concern for human trafficking. The designers have three months to create their designs – clothing, accessories, or purses from the ties, scarves, and jewelry donated by celebrities and others concerned about the future of abandoned children in Ukraine. We proudly note that former U.S. presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton are among those who have already made their donations. The designer pieces created from the donated ties and memorabilia will be sold at a silent auction during a Gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence in Washington, D.C. at the Omni Shoreham on Dec. 1. To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Chornobyl, the funds will support a pilot project at the orphanage in Slavutych, Ukraine.
Fashion designers from Ukraine, United States, India and Russian Federation have already contacted us expressing concern for Ukrainian orphans and have volunteered to help.
Violetta Vieux, the owner of the Viogemini brand (www.viogemini.com), said: “I want to help the orphaned children so that they can have the opportunity to find love and care. I want them to know that somewhere across the seas and oceans there are people who think of them and want to help them. Nothing can replace parents, but kids still need to know that they are not alone.”
Vasily Vein, who rose to fame in the 1990s working with celebrities like “t.A.T.U.,” Linda and “VIA Slivki,” said: “I really liked the idea that using my talents I can help Ukraine’s children. I think that the best way to improve their lives and give them hope is to help them discover their talents. There are over 11,000 children of pre-school age in the orphanages of Ukraine. Can you imagine how many future artists, painters and designers are among them?”
Indu Aurora, a Rockchiq brand designer (http://rockchiq.com/), said: “It is a humane thing to do. If we join handsand resources we can improve children’s lives. I believeaddressing the problemsat the grassroots level will be beneficial inimproving the orphanages’ condition.”
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. How can I help women and youth at risk?
You can join our designer team and create your masterpiece from the celebrity memorabilia. You can also spread the word about our project and join us for the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of Ukraine, organized by the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation on the Dec. 1st in Washington, D.C., where you will be able to donate directly to the cause.
2. What will I receive from participation in this charity project?
Your efforts will be recognized at the celebration. You will also gain publicity in American and Ukrainian news. The interviews with the participants of the project will be published on the November issue of BAY Fashion Magazine (San Francisco), the leading Silicon Valley fashion outlet. The interviews will also be published on U.S.-Ukraine Foundation’s websites, including www.usukraine.org, andwww.traveltoukraine.org.
3. How many pieces do I have to create?
One or two pieces.
4. How much time do I have?
The deadline is Nov. 1.
Maryna Petrenko, a project coordinator with the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation in Washington, D.C., can be reached at 202-223-2228 or [email protected]
