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CNN Interview: Small Hands, Big Impact: The Heartwarming Origin of The 72 Fund
Following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, millions of children were suddenly uprooted from their homes, schools, and daily routines as families fled Ukraine in search of safety. For many, the journey to neighboring Poland meant leaving behind not only possessions, but also a sense of stability and security.
Amid this crisis, a simple act of compassion sparked meaningful action, and The 72 Fund was born.
When the daughter of The 72 Fund Founder, learned about children her age who had been forced to flee, she immediately wanted to help. Her first instinct was to send all of her toys. She even proposed sending firewood so the children could stay warm. While those initial ideas evolved, her desire to provide comfort remained steadfast.
Recognizing the importance of turning empathy into impact, the mother and daughter duo launched the “Sunflower Backpacks” initiative. Every backpack prominently featured a sunflower emblem. Displayed in blue and yellow, the sunflower, Ukraine’s national flower, represents unity, hope, and resistance.
Understanding that children experience displacement in deeply personal ways, they focused on providing items that could offer both comfort and creative expression. They assembled 54 backpacks for Ukrainian refugee children in Poland, tailoring each one to the recipient’s age—ranging from 7 months to 13 years old.
For younger children, the backpacks included developmentally appropriate toys. For older children, they provided art supplies to encourage creativity, self-expression, and moments of normalcy during an uncertain time. Each item was selected with care, recognizing that even small comforts can have a meaningful emotional impact.
In total, 54 children received Sunflower Backpacks—each one a tangible reminder that they were seen, supported, and not forgotten. What began as a child’s desire to give became a coordinated effort rooted in empathy and action.
The initiative demonstrated the power of grassroots compassion: when individuals respond thoughtfully to global challenges, meaningful change becomes possible.
The story of Sunflower Backpacks was featured in an interview on CNN; the mother and daughter discussed the inspiration behind the initiative and the importance of empowering young people to lead with kindness.
We invite you to watch the interview in the embedded video below, and join us in supporting efforts that bring comfort, creativity, and hope to children in crisis around the world.
