Antonov Airlines, in collaboration with Vivat Publishing, has announced the start of a unique partnership aimed at supporting Ukrainian children affected by the war. By engaging talented children’s authors, the brands have created a series of illustrated children’s books about airplanes.
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The first two books in the “Winged Stories” series are already being printed in Kharkiv. These books, created with the support of Antonov specialists, tell stories about airplanes that, just two years ago, took off from the airport in Hostomel, which was destroyed at the beginning of the full-scale invasion. Vivat Publishing continues to print Ukrainian literature, while Antonov planes carry out important missions around the world. This collaboration aims to inspire children to dream and support those who need it most.
Two children’s authors have created four captivating stories where Antonov airplanes are the main characters. They overcome fears and difficulties, achieve goals, save people, fight fires, and make new friends. Part of the proceeds from the book sales will go to the “Together for Ukraine” charity fund, which cares for over a thousand children who have been orphaned, lost their homes, or were forced to leave due to the war.
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“As our soldiers defend the country’s borders, we must strive for a better future. We want children to continue dreaming and have the opportunity to realise their dreams here in Ukraine,” commented Ruslan Bykovets, Head of the Air Transport Organiaation Department at Antonov Airlines.
The books are printed in two languages: Ukrainian and English. The participants plan to distribute the books outside Ukraine, reminding the world how Ukrainians continue to dream and act despite all difficulties.
In December this year, to mark the 35th anniversary of the first flight of the largest transport aircraft AN-225 “Mriya,” the partners held a nationwide children’s drawing contest. 1295 children aged 4 to 14 from different parts of the country participated. The children depicted their fantasies about the largest aircraft “Mriya” in the peaceful skies of Ukraine.
“We received impressive works. Not all of them were about airplanes. The children depicted their experiences, the pain of loss, and their belief in a bright future. Their parents sacrificed their lives for the existence of Ukraine. Now it is our responsibility to create conditions for their development and a better future,” noted Evelina Krulets, Executive Director of the “Together for Ukraine” charity fund.
TM “YES” also supported the project. Before the start of the school year, the company printed a series of school notebooks with illustrations of airplanes from the books. Part of the proceeds from their sale also goes to the special account of the “Together for Ukraine” charity fund.
“These are our first joint steps within the project. We plan to develop activities that will help children explore the world of aviation. By creating products for different age groups, we will encourage children to take an interest in the sky and airplanes. With strong partners, we will create better conditions for children’s aviation education,” said Yulia Orlova, CEO of Vivat.
“Let’s help children spread their wings together, and we will surely see their dreams in the free skies of Ukraine,” added Olga Stepanova, Brand Manager of TM “YES.”
