Story

In June of 1996, William J. Perry stood on a small patch of concrete in the middle of a field, watching American, Russian, and Ukrainian flags waving in the gentle summer breeze. He had just planted sunflower seeds with representatives from both other countries in a field where nuclear warheads, pointed towards the United States, once sat. While the planting itself was incredibly symbolic, the thoughts he shared with all who were there are a beautiful reminder, even today.

"It is altogether fitting that we plant sunflowers here at Pervomaysk to symbolize the hope we all feel at seeing the sun shine through again."

Perry's words resonated with me as I struggled to find meaning in the events that have unfolded in Ukraine over the last week. War is a dark cloud that consumes everything in its path - it produces senseless acts that cause severe human loss and unbelievable suffering. And for most of us, it's never been this real. We're watching it all happen right in front of us - families fleeing for their lives, children barricaded underground, father's forced to fight to protect their homes.

I can't help but feel helpless as we watch this from the safety of the sidelines here in the US. I can't help but feel as though there is something more we can do to show these wonderful people that they are loved, valued, and cared about, even from people on the other side of the world.

A long time ago, I realized that the impact we can make here at ZOX is in the voice we have - the words we can share, together, to remind people that they're not alone. "Til the sun shines through" is my way of reminding the people of Ukraine that we're still here, we still care and we're doing everything we can to help. With 100% of the profits immediately going to a range of charities on the ground in Ukraine and Poland, I believe that we can all come together, as a community of caring human beings, and show the Ukrainian people how much we care in both actions and words.

Big hugs,

Jason

Artist

Darren Goldman and Chelsea Tolin

Till The Sun Shines Through

Related Products