A Celebration of Magic in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro
More than a thousand children from frontline regions of Ukraine experienced unforgettable emotions during New Year’s performances at the circuses of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro. The "Magic Wings" Charitable Foundation, together with the Kyiv Municipal Academy of Variety and Circus Arts and the State Circus Company of Ukraine, organized a true celebration of hope, joy, and children’s belief in miracles.
Two Cities — One Goal: A Happy Childhood
The circus performances became more than just events — they were a light in the difficult wartime context, shining in the eyes of children. At the State Circuses of Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro, guests were welcomed with spectacular acts, captivating characters, and most importantly — an atmosphere of safety and care.
What the Celebration Included
- Bright performances with clowns, acrobats, and trained animals
- Personal meetings with circus artists
- Holiday gifts for every child
We sincerely thank the directors of the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro circuses for their open hearts and partnership support. Thanks to you, we were able to bring this large-scale idea to life.
Children came from settlements near the frontline. For many, this was their first trip to a big city and their very first introduction to the art of the circus.
Drawings That Speak Louder Than Words
We invited the children to create drawings on the theme of the circus — their favorite performers, bright emotions, heroes, and fantastic scenes.
After the show, they shared their artworks with us — heartfelt thank-you cards, images of circus characters, and stories brought to life on paper.
These drawings became the most valuable part of our project, proving that magic lives wherever there is care.
Creating Miracles Together
This project was born out of the need to give children faith in the good. Thanks to the unity of all partners, we were able to bring a big idea to life: to create a New Year’s miracle where it was needed most.
Every child not only watched the performance but also felt special. We ensured safe transportation, guidance, emotional support, and memorable gifts.
Gifts — With Love From All of Us
More than 2,000 gifts were delivered to children thanks to the support of benefactors, sponsors, and partner organizations. Each package contained sweets, toys, and stationery.
Main Partners
- Kyiv Municipal Academy of Variety and Circus Arts
- State Circus Company of Ukraine
- Zaporizhzhia State Circus
- Dnipro State Circus
- Malevaro
Organization, Logistics, and Coordination
Thanks to this cooperation, we were able to ensure a high level of organization and deliver true artistic quality.
Organizational Components:
- Selection of volunteers to accompany groups of children
- Transportation from remote settlements
- Communication with parents and communities
- Preparation and packaging of gifts
"Children’s laughter is the best reward for any effort. Thank you to everyone who helped create this celebration!"
— The Magic Wings Charitable Foundation team
This project was carried out during December–January 2023/2024, on the eve of the Christmas holidays. We conducted preparatory work, planned logistics routes, and closely cooperated with communities that helped organize children’s trips.
Teams in Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro provided a warm welcome, prepared festive programs, and assembled gift packages. Thanks to this, every child felt remembered, loved, and supported.
- Compiling lists of children
- Arranging transportation
- Purchasing gifts
- Communicating with communities
- Collecting children’s drawings for the exhibition
- Expressing gratitude to partners and sponsors
- Publishing video materials from the events
Dnipro
Zaporizhzhia
The holiday circus performances for children from frontline territories became not only cultural events but also an important step in providing psychological support for the youngest. In conditions of constant threat, instability, and stress, children need positive emotions, a sense of safety, and love. This project helped restore children’s belief in miracles, normalcy, and care.
The circus show, with all its bright acts and emotional atmosphere, became a true resource of recovery — both for the children themselves and for the parents and teachers who accompanied them.
More than 2,000 children took part in our festive event. They came from high-risk areas — communities living in constant proximity to the frontline. Every child not only attended the performance but also received a personal gift and participated in creative expression — through drawings, postcards, and crafts.
Parents and teachers noted that after the event, children became more open and calm, and showed interest in art and extracurricular activities. This proves that even a one-time cultural event can have a lasting positive effect.
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Over 2,000 children reached— from Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Kherson regions
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2 large-scale performances— at the Zaporizhzhia and Dnipro State Circuses
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More than 2,000 gifts— collected and distributed thanks to the joint efforts of partners and sponsors
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1,000+ children’s drawings— created after the performances as a form of gratitude and emotional reflection
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15 volunteer groups— involved in escorting, logistics, organizing, and packaging gifts
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Strengthened community cooperation— local authorities, schools, and social service centers supported the initiative
The Long-Term Value of the Project
Such initiatives have a powerful socio-cultural impact. They not only provide a one-time effect of joy but also create new models of interaction between cultural institutions and communities. The positive experience gained through this project can be scaled — both at the regional level and in other parts of the country.
We are already receiving requests from schools and communities for similar initiatives in the future. We also plan to organize an exhibition of children’s drawings collected after the performances, to once again remind society: childhood continues even during war — as long as there are those who believe in the light. виставку дитячих малюнків, зібраних після вистав, щоб ще раз нагадати суспільству: дитинство триває навіть під час війни — якщо є ті, хто вірить у світло.
Overall Impact:
- Emotional support for children from frontline territories
- Social integration through shared events
- Promotion of circus art as a tool for therapy
- Development of partnerships between state institutions, cultural organizations, and the charitable sector
