Custom LEGO Zelenskyys & Molotov Cocktails Raise Over $16K To Help Ukraine
Images via Citizen Brick
Friends large and small, as small as minifigs, are going above and beyond to support Ukrainians whose lives have been overturned from the Russian conflict. Contributions of all sizes aren’t to be underestimated, because even these tiny cocktails are making a blast.
In light of the crisis, Citizen Brick—a store in Chicago that customizes LEGO pieces—indulged in its knack for making wacky LEGO parts and created limited-edition toy replicas of Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Molotov Cocktails. 100% of the proceeds would go to Direct Relief, one of the most prominent charities in assisting the people of Ukraine.
To amplify efforts in Ukraine, Direct Relief is working with the nation’s Ministry of Health as well as partners on the ground to offer Ukrainians medical aid, “including emergency response packs intended for first responders, oxygen concentrators, critical care medicines, and much more,” says the nonprofit.
According to Brick Fanatics, Citizen Brick’s initial Instagram post for the Molotov Cocktails was taken down. In spite of this mild hiccup, the brand has reported that all the Ukraine-inspired pieces sold out “almost immediately.”
The mini Molotov Cocktails (US$10 apiece) and President Zelenskyy models (US$100 each) managed to raise a total of US$16,540 in sales. Separately, customers donated an additional US$170 via Citizen Brick’s donate button on Facebook.
The shop’s owner Joe Trupia tells Motherboard that the team is “scrambling to make another batch,” as exposure from Ukraine’s official Instagram account has generated even more interest for the customized toys.
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Although LEGO isn’t associated with this campaign, the company has pulled its own weight to back emergency relief in Ukraine. The LEGO Foundation and Ole Kirk’s Fond have donated DKK 110 million (US$16.2 million) to charity partners like the United Nations Children’s Fund, Save the Children, and the Danish Red Cross to support Ukrainian children and families in need. In the same vein, LEGO shipments have also been halted in Russia due to “the extensive disruption to the operating environment.”
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[via Motherboard and Brick Fanatics, images via Citizen Brick]
