Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Moscow Government – Moscow Government –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On New Year's Eve, the annual winter campaign "Believe in Miracles" took place in the capital. Volunteer rescuers, dressed as Father Frost and Snow Maiden, descended from the roof of the Z.A. Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital (DGKB) and brought moments of joy and hope to over 600 young patients. After an interactive session, dressed as fairytale characters, they visited the children in their wards and presented them with New Year's gifts.
"The 'Believe in Miracles' campaign is a union of professionalism, genuine kindness, and mutual support. The descent of volunteer rescuers dressed as wizards from the rooftop became more than just a performance for the children; it was an opportunity to experience moments of genuine happiness and faith that a whole world of wonder, discovery, and joy awaits outside the window. As part of the campaign, we will also donate gift sets for playrooms and volunteering resources for children of all ages to the city's hospitals," she said.
Ekaterina Dragunova, Chairman of the Committee for Public Relations and Youth Policy of the City of Moscow.
The organizers of the “Believe in a Miracle” campaign are the Mosvolonter resource center with the support of the capital Committee on Public Relations and Youth Policy, Moscow city branch of the "All-Russian Student Rescue Corps" and the youth council underMoscow Department of Healthcare.
The Z.A. Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital prepared a theatrical performance featuring fairy-tale characters and a show program featuring artists, magicians, and animators.
"Children and adults at our hospital eagerly awaited this year's charity event. The delight and happiness in the children's eyes inspire parents, doctors, and nurses. Every year, we express our gratitude to the organizers for this opportunity and this wonderful tradition. The intense emotions from the rescue volunteers' descent and the colorful performance give us hope for a speedy recovery for our little patients," shared Ismail Osmanov, Chief Physician of the Z.A. Bashlyaeva Children's City Clinical Hospital, Moscow's Chief Pediatrician, and Professor.
How a holiday is created
Visits from wizards require special training. Volunteer rescuers underwent mandatory training, learned safety rules, and checked the functionality of rooftop equipment (fastenings and safety systems). If the building's structure prevented descent, aerial platforms were deployed, delivering the fairytale characters directly to the windows of the wards.
Following this magical appearance, an interactive performance was held for the children. Young viewers took part in a performance featuring their favorite characters, enjoyed magic tricks, and enjoyed a bubble show. The program was filled with songs, fun games, and mutual congratulations.
Each child received a bright gift, including educational games, craft kits, and other surprises. For those patients whose health prevented them from joining in the fun, gifts and warm wishes were delivered directly to their rooms by animators and medical staff.
Rescuers-magicians
For all volunteers of the Moscow City Branch of the All-Russian Student Rescue Corps, participation in this campaign is an important mission, an opportunity to contribute to a good cause, bring joy to children, and help them believe in miracles.
Emma Vorobyova, a student at Moscow State Pedagogical University, has been participating in the campaign for three years. During this time, she's tried on costumes as Snegurochka and characters from Soviet fairy tales. Emma recounted how she was once climbing down from a roof dressed as Carlson, peering through the window and saying to a child, "Hello! Remember when I flew away, but promised to come back? Little one, is that you?" The child replied, "Yes!" and smiled broadly. Emma says she almost burst into tears at that moment. She believes people should be there for each other, and if someone is forced to celebrate New Year's in the hospital, and there's any way to bring joy to children in such a situation, then it's essential. They should have a lot of happiness in their lives.
Valery Novikov, a student at the Moscow Pedagogical College, has been visiting children as the main winter wizard for three years. He noted that preparing for the descent is a labor-intensive process that requires specialized skills and a lot of training. Valery says the children's reactions are always genuine: the little ones are delighted, and the older kids, although they may be shy, are still very happy. For him, the "Believe in Miracles" campaign has a deeply personal meaning: it has become a symbol of the holiday. Valery recalls being hospitalized without his parents as a child. "If Father Frost had appeared in the window, I would have been very happy and would have definitely believed in miracles!" he added.
Giving a child undergoing treatment faith in miracles and a festive spirit is one of the most important tasks of volunteers before the upcoming New Year.
Organizing volunteer activities and engaging young people in city events is in line with the objectives of the national project. Youth and Children and the federal project We are togetherMore information about national projects and the capital's contribution can be found atspecial page.
You can find out more about volunteering atwebsite resource center "Mosvolonter", its page on the social network VKontakte and in Telegram channel.
Get the latest news quickly on official Moscow messaging channels. MAX AndTelegram.
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