As Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine continues to escalate, Jack Carlson’s Rowing Blazers decided to chip in for support of Ukrainian citizens. The New York City-based company is teaming with fashion illustrator Richard Haines on a graphic T-shirt that’ll help raise money for much-needed emergency aid.
Funds from the charity T-shirt will directly go to Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund, in the wake of deaths, damage, and devastation from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
More than 2.5 million people have now fled the violence in Ukraine. Of that number, 50% are children in urgent need of support. Children on the move are at risk of hunger, illness, trafficking, and abuse.
Donations to the Save the Children’s Relief Fund provide families with children in Ukraine and around the world with immediate aid such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance. The goal is to protect children in crisis situations.
Save the Children estimates a total of 7.5 million children are in grave danger of physical harm, severe emotional distress, and displacement.
Ukrainian creatives, like Ksenia Schnaider, Vita Kin, Natasha Kamenska, and Ienki Ienki, have been calling for support since the battle began in late February. Jack Carlson made it a point to answer the call.
The Rowing Blazers x Richard Haines charity T-shirt is a white tee featuring a man carrying the Ukrainian flag. Haines’ inspiration for the straightforward design was pretty simple. He uses his art as an escape, and he couldn’t escape the wonderful response to his sketch.
“My first response during a crisis: Make a drawing. When I posted the drawing of the lone man holding the Ukrainian flag, the positive feedback was immediate and a reminder of art’s power to unite. Jack and I both felt compelled to use the platforms we are privileged to have to raise awareness of, and contribute to, the relief efforts carried out by Save the Children,” says Haines.
The shirts are in production and available to preorder on Rowing Blazers’ website. Orders are scheduled to be shipped at the end of April. The shirt is priced at 60 pounds (about $79) and 100% of every purchase will be donated to the relief fund.
People can help Ukraine with direct donations or join in the efforts of international fashion brands putting their money where their respective mouths are, initiating charitable efforts to support the war-torn nation and spreading a message of Ukrainian solidarity.
Rowing Blazers founder Jack Carlson has a personal connection to Save the Children.
“One of my best friends, an incredible woman, has served with Save the Children in active conflict zones, including Afghanistan and Somalia. Through her, I’m intimately familiar with the amazing work Save the Children undertakes and what an important organization it is,” he says.
Ukraine’s citizens are paying the ultimate price. They’re forced to take refuge in shelled cities or flee their homes and country, needing help and assistance from the rest of the world amidst Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing military aggression.
Jack Carlson is confident teaming with Haines and partnering with Save the Children will have a direct impact on those needing financial aid.
“As the world watches in horror at the events unfolding in Ukraine, Save the Children is providing lifesaving assistance to kids and their families on the ground,” Carlson adds.
Rowing Blazers is an American clothing brand and design lab for the classics. It is dedicated to authenticity, quality, and craftsmanship. There is a sense of community in the brand and this partnership is an example of that as people all over the world stand united with Ukrainians.