Saatchi & Saatchi Ukraine Rewrites 'Сarol for the Bells' for Shazam Donation Drive

The classic Christmas carol 'Carol of the Bells', also known as 'Shchedryk', gets rewritten this festive season in an appeal to support Ukraine children affected by the war - via the charity program of the Olena Zelenska Foundation. The program provides educational, medical, financial and legal assistance to children affected by war.

The full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine has deprived millions of children the opportunity to celebrate the holidays at home with their families. The rewritten 'Carol of the Bells' sheds light on this trying reality of refugee children, separated families and their inability to be together as a family this festive season – all to the jolly tune of the original Christmas Carol.

Check out #CarolForTheCharity on all music platforms here

Featuring the voices of Taras Topolya of the Antytila band (well-known for their collaboration with Ed Sheeran on his song 2-Step), the choristers from Veryovka Ukrainian Folk Choir and the Zernyatko children's folk ensemble, the new 'Carol of the Bells' which is aptly renamed to 'Carol for the Charity' makes an appeal to donate to the Olena Zelenska Foundation by following three steps.

1. Scan the song with Shazam

2. Scroll down and click on the link to the song’s YouTube video via Shazam

3. Locate the link to donate in the YouTube’s video description.

With creative concept and development by Saatchi & Saatchi Ukraine, this project is also supported by BRAND UKRAINE organization and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has supported this important project without hesitation and helped to implement it. From now on, the legendary ‘Shchedryk’ by Mykola Leontovych is not only promoting Ukraine abroad, but also helping to raise vital funds for little Ukrainians via Foundation of Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska”, said Dmytro Kuleba, minister of foreign affairs of Ukraine. 

“Mykola Leontovych, a Ukrainian composer, created 'Shchedryk'. It quickly became a symbol and melody of Christmas love and warmth worldwide. Today, Ukrainians sing 'Shchedryk' with different words written by the war - Carol for the Charity. We created it together with the legendary Veryovka choir, as well as children who, despite enemy attacks, anxiety and blackouts, still remain in Ukraine and continue to do what they love - they sing. This is the 'Zernyatko' children's folk ensemble. Listen, shazam this song and donate towards a peaceful Christmas in Ukraine and the sonorous laughter of children on holidays,” said Taras Topolya, front man of ‘Antytila’.

“We are happy to collaborate with such outstanding Ukrainian stars who have created an incredible and very emotional version of Shchedryk. To bring some joy and support for children suffering from the war, I urge all radio stations, shopping malls, restaurants to join the project and add this song to their Christmas playlists,” said Kosta Schneider, CCD Publicis Groupe Ukraine and Czech Republic.

'Carol for the Charity' is licensed under Creative Commons, which allows it to be used free of charge for musical decoration of cafes, restaurants and markets during the holiday season. We urge radio stations and businesses abroad to add 'Carol for the Charity' to their Christmas playlists — and help Ukrainian children to be heard in this difficult time.

“It is impossible to imagine Christmas without children. 100 years ago, Ukrainian Shchedryk united many people during Christmas worldwide. Now, in times of a horrifying war, we ask the world to unite again during the holiday season to help Ukrainian children who need support and to know that tthey are not forgotten,” said Sofiya Dzhurynska, co-founder BRAND UKRAINE organisation.

Christmas cannot be taken away from children. But we can always give it back.