$160K For Ukraine Relief Raised Though Sale Of Mini Lego-Like Figurines Of Zelenskyy And Molotov Cocktails

Even figurines can help in this battle...

Damjan

• Published in Interesting
• April 5, 2022

LEGO has been a part of many of our childhoods, whether the actual thing or cheaper knockoffs. It brings back some nostalgic memories.

We were able to create magnificent pre-designed figures or simply place random pieces together to generate diverse combinations. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could build our lives in the same way?

We were taught that we can do it, right? If we study hard, be good and kind, and do our jobs properly, we can make whatever we want out of our lives.

But it turns out that it is not enough. Sometimes no matter how we try, something terrible happens, and we just can't do anything about it.

It all falls apart. Speaking of life falling apart, we are sure you've heard about what's going on in Ukraine.

People all over the world have tried their hardest to gather finances and offer assistance to Ukraine. Unfortunately, the terrible war has caused 3 million people to flee their homeland, hundreds have died, and thousands are holding on to the hope of a better tomorrow.

Citizen Brick is one of these, having made a few LEGO imitation figures of resistance symbols to collect money for medical supplies in Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine has become a symbol of defiance and perseverance. The same can be said about the Molotov cocktail.

Citizen Brick has combined them to raise donations for Ukraine - he has created LEGO figures of both Zelenskyy ...

Citizen Brick is a Chicago-based store that creates unique LEGO components but is not linked with LEGO. Their mission: to create things that LEGO won't and that no one else can.

They chose to model one after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and make miniature LEGO Molotov cocktails. They want to pay tribute to and stand in solidarity with those who are still battling for their lives in Ukraine, as well as those who have had to flee their homes.

"In light of the current invasion of Ukraine by the Russian military, Citizen Brick has decided to gather donations to help Ukrainian refugees," the company said on its Facebook page. The Molotov Cocktail cost $10, while the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy minifig cost $100.

and the Molotovs.

The proceeds went to Direct Relief, and after the first batch sold out, they had to run a second batch in order to raise even more money.

Sold out!

All proceeds went to Direct Relief, an international humanitarian aid organization that is currently collaborating with Ukraine's Ministry of Health to assist refugees and people trapped or voluntarily remaining in the country, as well as medical needs and supplies in Ukraine and neighboring countries. It's unsurprising that everything sold out almost as soon as their website went up.

The company generated $16,540 in direct sales and another $170 in Facebook donations with one batch of these unlicensed LEGO pieces, all of which went to support the people of Ukraine.

The history of the Molotov cocktail is a fascinating look into the past and the parallels with current events.

Few people are aware of the origins of the word Molotov Cocktail. The Finnish were the ones who came up with the name.

When Soviet forces attacked Finland in 1939, Stalin's foreign minister, Vyacheslav Mikhaylovich Molotov, claimed that the bombers were airlifting food to the country rather than dropping bombs. The Finns retaliated by calling the bombs "Molotov's bread baskets" and offering drinks—or cocktails—to accompany them.

State liquor manufacturers had already turned from producing vodka to mass-producing improvised incendiary devices, which Finnish troops deployed to devastating effect against Soviet equipment. The moniker "Molotov cocktail" persisted, and isn't it ironic that it's now a favorite weapon against Russians.

The people of Ukraine are standing firm, throwing Molotov cocktails at the aggressors.

They are easy to make

Lviv's Pravda Brewery has even created unique bottles for use in the fight.

Ukraine's citizens have banded together to confront the aggressor, learning how to build and throw Molotov cocktails without causing harm to themselves. Everyone who has stayed behind, including children, men, and women of all ages, is contributing.

Lviv's Pravda Brewery has even produced unique designs for bottles that will be used to make Molotov cocktails. Every small bit helps to increase morale and the likelihood of defeating enemy forces.

It's uncertain whether more figures will be produced, but there are other ways to help Ukraine.

"We will sing again," the Ukrainians declare, vowing to remain steadfast every day the battle continues.

Don't try this at home

People like the figurines

They also offer some ideas for new figurines

People should focus on the helping part for now

That man really rose to the occasion...

Some found the news positive

And maybe the Ukrainian president should also get a drink named after him

Ah, yes, painful memories...

People want more figurines

If you want to be the first to know when the next batch of Zelenskyy figurines and Molotov cocktails becomes available, follow Citizen Brick on Instagram or Facebook. You'll be the first to know when and if they become available. Here is a list of options if you want to help Ukraine in various ways.

Damjan