Ukrainian 'Carol for the Charity' Starts Carolling at Global Advertising Festivals

This is the story of a song known all over the world being changed to aid Ukrainian children affected by the Russian war by donating to Olena Zelenska Foundation.

Last 2022 Christmas Saatchi & Saatchi Ukraine has reimagined the familiar lyrics of 'Shchedryk' to reflect current circumstances, transforming it into 'Carol for the Charity.' The song urged its listeners to use Shazam and contribute towards the needs of Ukrainian children.

Carol was recorded by Taras Topolya from Antytila, Veryovka Ukrainian Folk Choir & Zernyatko children's folk ensemble during the massive missile attacks in November 2022 in Kyiv. Even the missiles couldn't make Ukrainians pause their work. The project was launched on Christmas Eve before the New Year 2023, and the performers sang the song live before President Zelenskiy New Year's speech on National TV. An amount measured in millions of hryvnias was collected to help Ukrainian children. The project received 110 million impressions in media and over one million plays on streaming services and became viral at the 22 radio stations in 11 countries. 

This project was also supported by the BRAND UKRAINE organisation.

Now 'Carol for Charity' won three shortlists at The One Show. However, many new accomplishments are still to come.

We are grateful to our colleagues and partners from all over the world who helped bring this project to life. 'Diakuyu'!

Saatchi & Saatchi Ukraine is the most creative agency in Ukraine* and is a part of the most creative communication group in Ukraine Publicis Groupe Ukraine*.

*By UAAC rankings