Thousands of Russians took part in the action of Rosprirodnadzor "Toy for a veteran"

Russians from Kaliningrad to the Far East joined the action of Rosprirodnadzor "Toy to the veteran", dedicated to the 81st anniversary of the Great Victory, said the head of the Service Svetlana Radionova. Thousands of soft toys, postcards and letters of thanks to the veterans were sent to the address of the International Prize "Ecology is everyone's business". The white teddy bears, the symbol of the award, were hand—sewn for veterans by children and their parents, teachers and pupils of kindergartens, schools, art houses, cadets and children from social centers, college students and employees of interregional departments of Rosprirodnadzor.

The action has become truly nationwide. Toys and warm wishes were sent from all Russian regions. As noted by the head of Rosprirodnadzor Svetlana Radionova, in every letter one feels family memory, respect for the feat of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War and the desire to say the most important words to veterans. Many participants talked about their veterans, put photos of their relatives in postcards, and shared stories in which the memory of the war is passed down from generation to generation. Deep gratitude to the veterans is also expressed by those who know the Great Patriotic War only from books and films. Svetlana Radionova thanked all the participants of the action and noted that each toy is special and soulful. The polar bear is the mascot of the Ecology is Everyone's Business Award, a pure and bright symbol of caring for the future. Each such teddy bear carries the warmth of caring hands and has become a national gesture of appreciation to the veterans.

"In each toy, the veteran feels not only creative imagination, but also a piece of his soul, deep gratitude. Someone put in a personal story of their ancestors who fought, someone gave the veteran a letter from several generations of their family, someone made a gift together with special children who need to say their say to the winners. We will definitely pass on all these gifts and wishes to veterans in different parts of the country. In Moscow, we annually congratulate Nikolai Vasilyevich Morozov, a graduate of the Solovetsky School of the Young People's Republic of China, who went to defend his Homeland at the age of 14, and after the war became the keeper of the Eternal Flame at the Grave of the Unknown Soldier. Nina Mikhailovna Trepalina, who turned 99 this year, has already been awarded a white bear. When the war began, she, being a fragile girl, stood at the machine and sharpened shells for the front. We remember and appreciate the feat of every veteran. And these soft ones are a symbol of our sincere appreciation. Thanks to everyone who responded to our campaign. I sincerely congratulate the veterans and all of us on the upcoming Victory Day! For the entire Russian people, this is a sacred holiday of remembrance, gratitude and pride, which unites families, generations and the whole country," Svetlana Radionova said.

The action of Rosprirodnadzor "Toy for a veteran" received a wide response from Russians. They sewed a wide variety of white bears, decorated them with St. George ribbons and flowers, dressed them in national costumes, soldiers' uniforms and even ball gowns. Many have sent letters, poems and drawings, where the main thought is gratitude for the peaceful sky and the right to live, dream and rejoice. The sincerity and depth of human involvement in each craft is a sign of great respect for the feat of the front–line soldiers. Young Veronika Krivenko from the city of Armavir wrote: "May this little white bear, a symbol of purity and hope, bring a smile to the veteran, give him warmth and tenderness, and remind him that he has not been forgotten."

This year, a lot of work has been received from the Bryansk region. A 13-year-old Roma from the city of Unecha noted in his letter: "When I found out the price of Victory, I was especially touched by stories about young heroes who were the same age as me now, but who had to grow up early. I felt how valuable the world is, and how much you and your comrades have done for it. My great-grandfather also fought in the war. That's why it's so important for me to say thank you." Among the toy authors there are those who participate in the action every year, and those who joined the initiative for the first time. Toys for veterans were created by children with disabilities, school and kindergarten teams, teachers and mentors who turned the preparation of gifts into a real lesson of gratitude and memory. Kindergarten No. 2 from the village of Kushchevskaya sent a whole family of bears in fancy costumes. The mother bear holds daisies in her hands – the winners were greeted with such bouquets in their native land. Touching gifts were sent by students of the Feodosiya College of Construction and Resort Services and Tuapse Social and Pedagogical College. Dozens of parcels for veterans arrived from Yamal — from students of the Cadet Secondary School named after Hero of the Russian Federation V.I. Sharpatov. A lot of work came from Perm City Eco-School students. Kira Khanimova, a 13-year-old eco–activist from St. Petersburg, who participated in several seasons of the Ecology is Everyone's Business International Award, said that last year, during the Toy for a Veteran campaign, she was lucky enough to personally present her Umka to a veteran. "I will never forget this meeting!" wrote Kira in the letter.

Many participants of the action write about the excitement with which they sewed or knitted their bears. They imagine how a veteran will put a gift next to photos of his family and military awards. "Let the toy remind you of warmth, kindness and a child's faith in a miracle," wrote 16-year-old Karolina Yakushechkina from Crimea.

The action "Toy for a veteran" once again showed that the memory of the Great Victory in Russia will always be alive and unifying. For thousands of participants, it became an opportunity not only to make a kind gift, but to give the veterans a piece of love, appreciation and gratitude that will never run out.