"War is already in the cells of people around the world. We do not have a vaccine against this virus," actress Elena Petrova said on air a day ago. As a UNICEF goodwill ambassador, she said she was ready to go to Ukraine because "at a time when the most precious gift we have - human life - is born in the darkness of the underground, the only thing we can do is show support and empathy." Actor and director Alek Alexiev traveled thousands of kilometers to Ukraine's border with Moldova to help transport mothers with children fleeing the war. Under the motto "Peace, Love, Empathy" famous Bulgarian singers participated in a charity concert in support of refugees from Ukraine.

The Bulgarian Music Association expressed its firm readiness to provide full assistance and support to fellow musicians and artists from Ukraine seeking safety in Bulgaria.

These are just a few of the examples of support and of the position Bulgarian artists hold in relation to the current situation. Their actions are just as important as the efforts of each volunteer and organization that has been helping the victims. By being celebrities, the artists can serve as an example awakening empathy in many of us.

In an interview with Radio Bulgaria, advertising specialist Radoslav Bimbalov says that "everyone's answer should not be turning a blind eye to the war, but standing against it and doing what they can in their sphere of work." As head of one of the largest advertising agencies in Bulgaria, he and his colleagues spontaneously organized the campaign "Donate or Buy Art for Ukraine."

"We work with many artists and what sets them apart from others is that they create with their hands and the things they create are meant to last for generations, to be eternal. It is these artists who take the war very personally, because it is the destruction not only of human life, but also of art legacy, such as architectural buildings and historical monuments. Therefore, we decided to organise this sale of 80 contemporary art works by Bulgarian photographers, artists, sculptors, visual artists, digital artists, etc. The goal is to raise funds that are to be send to the Ukrainian Red Cross.

The event is scheduled to take place in the period March 10 to March 12, as well as online.

According to Radoslav Bimbalov, the initiative would probably last longer than expected, due to the huge number of works provided. Animation artist Theodore Ushev, actor Vasil Vassilev - Zueka and many others are among the participants in the event.

"I think that all the activities we are doing now are helping not only the people directly affected by the war. They also help our society, which needs to have its call against injustice heard more clearly.”

There are many ways to help the victims of war, all you need is a desire to do it. Radoslav Bimbalov chose to help several families in Kyiv through one of the largest international tourist accommodation platforms. He contacted people who used to lend their apartments before the war and sent them the money for his fictitious stay there.

"Thousands of people around the world make such donations to specific families," the Bulgarian says.

And while doing what he can as a professional in his field, Radoslav also speaks about his fears:

"I have a little daughter and I'm trying to protect her from the word 'war' right now. She knows many words; she has been learning how to write. I hope she would not learn that word but I'm afraid this is impossible," Radoslav Bimbalov says.

English: Alexander Markov