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PUNTA GORDA
A group of local and international authors come together to raise money for Ukrainians.
A collaboration of creative works by international authors and artists also helps others. It all started with a post by a man named Rob Daniel on the Facebook group The Write Away, Draw Away. It is intended for children’s writers and illustrators.
“What became very clear to me was that we couldn’t do anything, we were helpless. But what we had was a very, very talented group of people. And they loved writing, and they loved illustrating, they loved putting together stories for children,” said Daniel, an Australian children’s author.
Jennifer DeAngelis is an author and illustrator from Punta Gorda. “He said, ‘Why not do a book. Uh, you know, that would be quick. We had to do it in about three weeks. It would be a children’s book. Uh, we can all collaborate. And that would help raise funds for Ukrainians,” DeAngelis said.
Knowing it would help those in need, DeAngelis immediately joined the project. “It’s just sad what’s going on there right now. Nobody deserves it, nobody, no, you know, especially the kids, they just don’t deserve it,” she said. “And I have two children of my own. And I can cry now. Because, you know, I can’t even imagine myself.
So this group of authors got to work. And together they were able to create an e-book filled with stories, poems, illustrations and cartoons.
Another author and illustrator is Erika Castricum from the Netherlands. “Because of the horror I saw on TV, of not being able, to actually help. And that was a way of doing something,” Castricum said.
Kelvin Smith contributed to the e-book. Smith is a poet and author from Wales. “We’re all hurting with them and thinking about them, you know, and if there’s anything we can do to help them, that’s just our way,” Smith said.
All proceeds from the book will go where they are needed most, to specific families in Ukraine and Poland who have asked for help.
“It will make you realize that if you woke up this morning to sunshine or rain and you don’t hear missiles overhead and you still have a home, there are plenty of reasons to be grateful,” DeAngelis said.
The writers also talked about the importance of staying creative in times like this. They hope people will continue to find faith, laughter, and love as they read the e-book. If you would like to purchase the eBook or simply donate, you can do so here.
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