on 22 September, the first large-scale festival of veteran culture will be held with the support of the Ukrainian Veterans Fund, a state provider of reintegration services for veterans into productive civilian life, and UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group as the general partner of the event.
The Circle of Veterans festival is dedicated to veterans, female veterans, combatants, their families, and all concerned Ukrainians. The event will serve as a platform to show civilians what life is like for veterans. The festival will be a space for interaction between veterans and civilians, as well as an opportunity to learn more about each other.
“At the bank, we are well aware of the need for a new stage in society, in particular, it is time to grow up and unite, which is why we have launched “We are proud” – a platform for real action to change society for the sake of defenders, veterans and women. Through our cooperation with the Ukrainian Veterans Fund, which shares our values, we can contribute to creating a society where everyone feels comfortable, has the opportunity to fulfil themselves, develop and build a new life. In particular, the Veterans’ Circle is one of the first important steps in this direction, as it will show unity, respect and strong bonds of civil society for military personnel and veterans,” said Yanina Olkhovska, Director of Communications, Corporate Social Responsibility and Engagement at UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group
The festival will feature six interactive zones: an adaptive sports location, including archery, sitting volleyball, wheelchair basketball, and a whole host of prizes. In addition, guests will find a literary space, a fair where they can buy products from veteran businesses and present their new ideas to potential investors, as well as photo and art locations where they can create something special with their own hands. The art zone will host masterclasses where everyone will be able to show their talent and take part in woodworking, ceramics, drawing, and develop new skills that can become the basis for career opportunities. There will also be competitions and interesting leisure activities in the children’s area, valuable prizes and new acquaintances.
“The Circle of Veterans is a nationwide event where we want to bring together not only veterans but also civilians. Ukraine has every chance of becoming the country with the largest number of female and male veterans in the world. According to the latest data from the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, there are currently 1 million 200 thousand Ukrainians who are veterans. By the end of the war, this number, together with their families, is expected to grow to 5-6 million. That is why we invite all veterans and their families, families of fallen soldiers and civilians to the festival to unite and interact,” added Yulia Kirilova, head of the Ukrainian Veterans Fund and a veteran.
Musician and soldier YARMAK is a special participant of the festival.
Entrance to the event is free, but pre-registration is required for security reasons.
“We’re Proud ” is a platform for real action to change society for the sake of defenders, veterans and women veterans. As part of the development of the UKRSIBBANK platform, BNP Paribas Group creates conditions for the successful adaptation of demobilised employees during the transition from military service to civilian life, attracts candidates with combat experience to the team, and provides veterans with the necessary banking products and services. The bank is open to partnerships to grow stronger together, in particular, by increasing the welfare of veterans.
