The Ukrainian community of Austin has been implementing the Born in Embroidered Shirts project for the third year in a row, which unites the youngest members of the diaspora and helps raise funds for humanitarian needs in Ukraine. This year, photos of Ukrainian babies wearing embroidered shirts will form the basis of the 2027 calendar, the proceeds from the sale of which will go toward helping female military personnel and purchasing medical equipment for Ukrainian hospitals.
This was reported to Vilni Media by Kateryna Voinova, project coordinator and president of Branch 147 of the Union of Ukrainian Women of America.
As part of the initiative, Ukrainian children under the age of three were photographed wearing traditional embroidered shirts against the backdrop of the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The photographer was Anna Sharuda.
According to Voinova, the project is designed to demonstrate that a new generation of Ukrainians is growing up in the United States, in particular in Texas, while maintaining a connection with their origins, language and cultural heritage. The photos of the young participants themselves became the basis for the charity calendar for 2027.
“It turns out such a warm story: our children here, in Texas, are helping to save the lives of those who are now defending Ukraine,” Kateryna Voinova told VM
All the photos were included in a special edition, the sale of which will be directed to support two charitable initiatives of the Union of Ukrainian Women of America.
The funds are planned to be transferred to the “Zemlyachki” program, which provides Ukrainian female military personnel with the necessary equipment and support means at the front. Part of the funds raised will also be directed to the purchase of Wound Vac devices for Ukrainian hospitals. These specialized vacuum systems are used to treat complex wounds, promote faster wound healing, and help save limbs for wounded soldiers.
The organizers emphasize that the project has united a symbolic bond of generations: Ukrainian children born and raised in the United States, through their participation, help support those who defend Ukraine today.
According to the project coordinator, pre-orders for the charity calendar are planned to open in the near future. The Ukrainian community in the United States is urged to join the initiative and support the fundraising for Ukrainian defenders and medical institutions.
“We will open pre-orders for the calendar very soon. We will be very happy if the diaspora in the United States supports our collection and takes such a calendar home or as a gift,” Voinova summarized.
Photo: Anna Sharuda
Author: Inna Mikhno