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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: Etsy Ukraine Support – Moskalkov
HEADLINE: Crafters Sell Ukrainian-Themed Goods to Raise Money for Charity
TEASER: Crafting marketplace Etsy is popular platform for users who want to support Ukrainians affected by the war
PUBLISHED AT: Wednesday, 04/13/2022 8:5 am
BYLINE: Maxim Moskalkov
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: Washington
VIDEOGRAPHER: David Gogokhia
PRODUCER: Rob Raffaele
VIDEO SOURCE (S): VOA + TBD
PLATFORMS (mark with X):WEB___ TV_ X__RADIO___
SCRIPT EDITORS: MPage, Reifenrath
TRT: 3:17
VID APPROVED BY: BR
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE: Zoom interviews done on a personal PC and cleared for use)
((Editor Notes: trimmed throughout including the sound from Courtney Bush, Vera Ogdanets, and Asmaa Ibrahim. Pkgs should be 450 words max.))
((INTRO:))
[[Tech platforms such as Etsy are quickly emerging as ways to send help directly to Ukrainians. The crafts-focused marketplace has become part of the “hidden infrastructure” for global humanitarian aid. Since the start of Russia’s invasion, thousands of crafters worldwide have been selling Ukrainian-themed products on the website and sending the proceeds to charity. Maxim Moskalkov has the story.]]
((NARRATION))
((Mandatory courtesy: Asmaa Ibrahim))
From T-shirts and magnets to badges and jewelry:
((Mandatory courtesy: Etsy.com))
Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the crafts-focused marketplace Etsy has been awash in blue and yellow – Ukraine’s national colors. Crafters are selling items in support of Ukraine, with the proceeds going to aid Ukrainians.
((Linda Küster, Etsy Seller)) ((Zoom))
“On a whim, I decided to make a necklace with a sunflower that I had laying around, and people seemed to really like it. And it’s just taken off since there. I didn’t expect to make many of these necklaces, but people have really responded to it. // People say that they like that they can wear their support for Ukraine.”
((NARRATION))
((Mandatory courtesy: Linda Küster))
Küster sends all the money she raises from the sales to Care International, an organization that provides emergency assistance to Ukraine.
((Mandatory courtesy: Henry Challis))
Baltimore native Henry Challis and his wife are parents of three children they adopted from Eastern Europe. When the war started, they simply had to help.
((Henry Challis, Etsy Seller)) ((Zoom))
“I knew sunflowers were very popular in Ukraine, and they have taken on increased symbolism throughout this war. … And so, I just put the Ukrainian flag colors together, made a ribbon, and designed some silicone bracelets with a quote from President Zelensky on them.”
((NARRATION))
((Mandatory courtesy: Henry Challis))
Challis has sold over 170 bracelets – and the orders keep coming.
((Mandatory courtesy: Courtney Bush))
New Jersey artist Courtney Bush, who was posting her work in support of Ukraine on Instagram, soon realized she could do more.
((Courtney Bush, Artist and Etsy Seller)) ((Zoom))
“I make different art prints and things like that, but I turned it into a house flag so that people can really show their support in their community. // I’ve raised almost $4,000. // I wouldn’t have been able to donate that much money personally.”
((NARRATION))
((Mandatory courtesy: Konstantino Iglesis and Paola Orlando))
It’s not just Americans who are supporting Ukraine – crafters from all over the world have joined the cause. Konstantino Iglesis and Paola Orlando are helping from London.
((01:14-))
((Konstantino Iglesis and Paola Orlando, Etsy Sellers)) ((Zoom))
“The way we figured out we could help was doing what we know how to do. My wife is doing bracelets. I help her a little bit, but she’s doing everyday tons of bracelets to support Ukraine.”
((NARRATION))
((Mandatory courtesy: Asmaa Ibrahim))
Egyptian textile designer Asmaa Ibrahim sells T-shirts and pullovers in her Etsy store. In March, she raised over $1,400 and donated it to UNICEF.
((02:31-))
((Asmaa Ibrahim, Designer and Etsy Seller)) ((Zoom))
“We received a lot of orders. We sold about 500 items. We received a lot of love from people who were happy to help the Ukrainian people.”
((NARRATION))
Russia’s aggression in Ukraine continues, and though private donations are pouring in, experts say the country’s humanitarian needs will rise.
((Maxim Moskalkov, for VOA News, Washington))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
NetworkVOA
Location (dateline)Washington
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
