€2,496.30 for Ukrainian children. And a moving little story about 30 cents that will bring tears to your eyes…

Lіudmyla Ostrovska, Lisbon, Portugal. The 23rd Open Doors Day took place at the Nirvana Studios art space—a cultural event that combined art, support for Ukraine, and charitable aid for Ukrainian children.

Nirvana Studios was founded in 2003 by the touring theater company and signature circus Custom Circus: Daniela Sousa, Michel Alex, and Rui Gago. The center occupies about 3 hectares of art space, designed in a unique aesthetic of sci-fi and subculture. This year, the art space was recognized with the EU Business Awards 2026.

The Association of Ukrainian Women in Portugal joined the 23rd Open Door Day. Its head, Nataliya Varga, noted that the event served not only a cultural but also a charitable mission.

This event was a night of true human kindness. We set up an information booth to share stories about Ukraine, our Society's work, and the children who lost their parents to the war and need our support. We felt so much empathy, warmth, and solidarity. The musical line-up kicked off with our incredible Liliia Pasakas and Jennifer, whose Ukrainian songs brought a piece of Ukraine to everyone present. 

The audience was also amazed by the charity show Le Cabaret Rock, organized by Nirvana Studios and Custom Circus Associação Cultural. Beyond the vibrant performances and positive energy, there was a vital mission—helping Ukrainian children. The organizers generously donated all ticket proceeds to our Society. A total of €2,496.30 has been raised and will be directed toward aid. In particular, we are preparing Christmas gifts for children in the frontline Sumy region who lost their parents in the war. This effort is part of our charity initiative 'Christmas Warmth from Portugal to the Children of Heroes,' continuing the project 'Children of Heroes—Warmed by Sun and Love.'

Artists have been helping Ukraine since the very first days of the full-scale Russian invasion. Their pavilion became a true logistics hub, where humanitarian aid for Ukraine was collected, sorted, and prepared for shipment. Throughout all these years of war, these people have continued to help and stand by our side. We are infinitely grateful to them for this.

A special story happened during the event that deeply moved and touched me. A little Portuguese boy, about five years old, walked up to the ticket counter. He only had 30 cents of pocket money, but he left it because he really wanted to help Ukrainian children himself. For some, these cents might be pocket change, but for him, it was his own money. A child living in a peaceful country thought of other children from whom the war had taken so much.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our Portuguese friends for helping Ukraine and for treating our children as their own."

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