Thousands of Carolers in Germany Raise Money for Ukrainian Children

In Germany this year, carolers collected donations across the country under the slogan of helping Ukrainian children whose parents became migrant workers.

As Deutsche Welle reports, the initiative was supported by President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, his wife and Chancellor Angela Merkel, who recorded the relevant video addresses to all concerned.

From Wednesday, 6 January, thousands of children Epiphany carolers (Sternsinger), dressed as the biblical Three Kings, went from house to house, sang carols and raised money. This year, due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, the charity campaign was partially online. In 2021, it was held under the slogan “Bring a blessing, be a blessing. Support children in Ukraine and around the world.”

The campaign organisers collected aid for children from Ukraine who live with one of their parents, grandparents or in foster families because their parents went abroad to earn money. According to various estimates, about two million children in Ukraine have been affected by parental labour migration.

“We sincerely hope that many people are now making donations to the caroling campaign to make a difficult path of children in Ukraine and around the world a little bit easier,” said Elke Büdenbender, the German president’s wife, in her video address.

The funds raised during the campaign will be donated to the charitable foundation Caritas Ukraine.

On 6 January, Germany celebrates the last holiday of the Christmas cycle – Epiphany or Three Kings Day. Traditionally, German children and teenagers, dressed as biblical kings, angels, etc., go from house to house on this day, sing Christmas carols resembling Ukrainian ones and receive gifts for singing. Nowadays, children raise money for charity.

Bohdan Marusyak