In support of the “Cossacks and Avrora” campaign and as part of raising UAH 3,000,000 for drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a charity online race was held from October 7 to November 7, 2022. Anyone could become a participant – both children and adults, as well as experienced athletes and those who have never taken part in running. After all, everyone determined the length, route, day, time and place of the race on his or her own. To participate, you had to register and pay a donation of UAH 350 to the account of the “Come Back Alive” fund, run the chosen distance and receive a starter box with a themed medal and gifts from partners. In total, 309 participants joined the race.
“When I saw information about the charity online race from Avrora in social networks, there was no doubt whether to participate or not. Of course, I had to take part! Firstly, the very purpose of the event was very appealing. Raising funds for drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine is the most urgent thing. A transparent and simple mechanism for donations is an important point. A couple of minutes and you are already proud to have joined a great cause. Secondly, the box with a bunch of useful things from the partners of the event was a great incentive. Unpacking it, you feel lucky at the very least. Thirdly, my running buddies from “Running club Poltava” and I just love to run and get medals for it, which the event organisers also took care of. I am grateful to Avrora for the opportunity to be involved in charity and, of course, for the excellent spirit”, – shared her impressions of the race Olha Bodak from Poltava.
“A wonderful race, a good idea! It’s nice that we could become a part of this charity project and make our contribution. Peaceful sky and victory to us!” – added Oksana Pakholka from Novomykolaivka, Zaporizhzhia region.
By the way, the geography of the race is quite extensive – 87 settlements.
“Participation in the race was to support our soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and to raise money for drones with the “Come Back Alive” fund. It was interesting to support the charity race dedicated to the Cossacks Day, the Intercession of Theotokos and the defenders of Ukraine. The starting box of the “Cossack family has no end” race was full of gifts from sponsors and a cool medal. Thank you for supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine!” – said Oleh Kos from Khmelnytskyi.
The online format allowed not only residents of Ukraine but also those abroad to participate.
“The race from Avrora to the Cossacks Day is a real blast. By keeping yourself in good shape, you can help our guys, as well as get a cool box with various goodies. You kill three birds with one stone. It’s a great experience if you have been wanting to try yourself in something new for a long time”, – said Yelyzaveta Nechaieva, who ran her distance in Warsaw.
In addition to a guaranteed starting box and a medal, all participants could take part in the drawing of original Nike running shoes. The winners were determined randomly – Viktor Savchenko won a pair on Facebook, and Alona Brailko – on Instagram.
The main result of the “Cossacks and Avrora” campaign was the amount raised. The goal was set at UAH 3,000,000. But together with the customers of the multimarket chain, we managed to raise even more – UAH 3,481,576 (including the charity online race, the participants of which together raised UAH 115,820). The management of Avrora could not ignore such a tremendous support of the people. The amount raised during the campaign was multiplied by two. As a result, not three million, as planned, but as much as UAH 7,000,000 was transferred to the “Come Back Alive” fund! Soon it will be known how many drones were purchased for our defenders.
We are grateful to everyone who joined the campaign and the race. In such a difficult time, Ukrainians proved that “Cossack family has no end”!