The President pointed out that Latvian society knows very well what occupation by Russian forces means, therefore the Latvian people are in solidarity with Ukrainians and the Ukrainian state.
Levits called for active donations not only during the "High five!" campaign which will benefit Ukrainian refugee children in Latvia, but also next year, because Ukraine will need help in the future.
"I invite everyone to think about this, and to give what they can – this is real help from us, including our political and humanitarian help to Ukraine," said the president.
Levits wished Ukrainian children a peaceful Christmas and expressed hope that all refugees will be able to return home after Ukraine's victory. For his donation, the president chose to play the song "Piena ceļs" by the group "Carnival Youth" – "because it is a story about the way home".
As previously reported by LSM, the public media charity marathon "High five!" this year takes place from December 16 to 22 and is dedicated to supporting Ukrainian refugee children who have arrived in Latvia.
How to donate
From December 1 to 22, donations can be made on the website www.dodpieci.lv.
From December 1 to 31, donations can also be made at all Circle K petrol stations, where both cash and non-cash donations will be accepted. This year, Circle K has promised to double the donations received at their petrol stations.
From December 16 to 22, cash and non-cash donations can also be made at the charity marathon glass studio in Rīga's Old Town (Dome Square, by the cathedral).
Until January 6 2023, donations can be made by selecting the project ‘High Five!’ on the website of the charity organisation Ziedot.lv.
All donated funds will go 100% to the Emergency Relief Fund through the project partner, the charity Ziedot.lv, to provide direct assistance for the basic needs of Ukrainian refugee children in Latvia.
As previously reported, the public media charity marathon ‘High Five!’ will take place from December 16 to 22 over 158 hours of broadcasting from a special glass studio.
There are currently more than 35,000 Ukrainian refugees in Latvia. According to estimates by the Ministry of the Interior, around 31% of all Ukrainian refugees in Latvia are children.
‘High Five!’ is organised by Latvian Radio, Latvian Television and Latvian Public Media (LSM).