Why We Chose Ukraine Christian Ministries for Our 2026 Christmas Giving Campaig

When we decided where our Christmas Giving Campaign would go this year, we wanted to partner with an organisation whose work reflects something very close to the heart of Promise Bears:

bringing the hope of Jesus to children and families while meeting real needs.

That is why, for Christmas 2026, we are partnering with Ukraine Christian Ministries (UCM).

Our goal is to send 200 Promise Bears to children in Ukraine.

But before we talk about the bears, we want you to know something about the people and ministry behind the campaign.

Who are UCM?

Ukraine Christian Ministries has been working in Ukraine since 1993.

Rather than simply operating from a distance, UCM works through relationships with churches and ministry partners in Ukraine. Its partner churches serve their local communities by sharing the Gospel, supporting families and responding to practical needs.

That relationship-based approach is something we really value.

UCM works alongside local pastors and churches who know their communities and the people who live there.

Those relationships enable support to reach people who need it — whether that means food, practical assistance, medical support, community activities or encouragement.

Investing in children and young people

One of the things that particularly connects with the heart of Promise Bears is UCM's work with children and young people.

UCM supports children's ministries through its partner churches and runs day-centre activities for disadvantaged children. These provide opportunities for children to receive help with schoolwork, enjoy games and activities, share meals and learn from the Bible.

UCM also supports camps and holiday Bible clubs where children and teenagers can build friendships, take part in activities and hear biblical teaching.

Their stated desire is to equip the next generation of Ukrainians to make wise, godly decisions as they grow.

That matters.

Because children are not simply living through the circumstances of today.

They are the generation that will shape the future of Ukraine.

A difficult Christmas for many

The war in Ukraine has affected every part of life.

Families have experienced loss, disruption, displacement and financial pressure. UCM continues to work alongside local churches that are supporting people through these circumstances.

Recent reports from UCM describe continuing economic hardship, rising costs and difficult conditions — but also the determination of pastors and churches to keep serving their communities and trusting God.

That is why a Christmas gift can carry significance beyond its monetary value.

It says:

You have not been forgotten.

You are loved.

There is still hope.

Help us send 200 Promise Bears

This Christmas, Promise Bears wants to put that message into the hands of 200 children.

Our bears carry Christian messages designed to encourage children and remind them of God's love and promises.

And because every bear is personally prayed over before dispatch, we see this campaign as an opportunity not simply to send products, but to send prayer, encouragement and the hope of Jesus.

If you would like to be part of it, you can make a contribution through our Christmas Giving Campaign.

Sponsor a Promise Bear for a child in Ukraine

You don't have to give a large amount.

Every contribution brings us one step closer to our goal of 200 bears.

Together, we can turn something as simple as a teddy bear into a message of hope.

A little bear. A big promise.

And this Christmas, that promise is going to Ukraine.