As Ukrainians endure the war and another cold winter, South Africans send the warmth of their hearts through postcards

The Ukrainian Association of South Africa is joining the global campaign Postcard to the Front initiated in Ukraine in 2022 and promoted to other countries by Postcards to the Front (Canada / Канада). Once a month, we will send signed postcards from South Africa to the frontline in Ukraine. The initiative will run until March 2026.

You can choose any postcard you like, write your message (more tips and ideas are listed below), and send it to the Ukrainian Association of South Africa via PostNet (email us on [email protected] for more information) or bring it to our events to hand it over in person. Follow our social media for updates.

This project is done in partnership with Postcards to the Front (Canada / Канада)

Tips for writing your card

Ready to write your card(s)? Here are some tips.

What postcards can you use? Cards from your city. From a recent vacation. Cute cards with animals. Pretty cards with flowers. A card that is cheerful and colourful. A card that tells something about where you live, what you enjoy. A card that shares something about you and your life.

1. Keep it simple.
2. Print clearly and remember: English is not their first language, so use simple everyday language.
3. Want to try some phrases in Ukrainian? Scroll down for some helpful translations.
4. Use the WHOLE card for your message. That’s right! You can break the rules of structure because you don’t need a stamp or to fill in the address section.
5. You want to draw? Use colourful lettering? Use stickers, or washi tape? Go for it! Colour and creativity will be appreciated. You know that saying: a picture is worth a thousand words.
6. Please … no comments about Russians. Focus on your message of support for Ukraine.
7. Don’t forget to sign the card with your first name [only] and your city/country. This will make your message feel more personal.
8. Mail your written cards to:
9. Include your email address inside your envelope so we can let you know that your cards arrived, and to thank you!

Your caring and supportive words will provide some warmth, light, cheer, and hope in a Defender’s hard day. Your words will make a difference through the knowledge that they are not forgotten. We didn’t forget about you = Ми не забуваємо про вас. And know that Defenders are grateful. You can view one Defender’s touching video note of thanks (in Ukrainian the first few seconds; then, in English). Or, view a volunteer explaining how postcard messages reach hearts in Ukraine [scroll down a little bit; click for the English subtitles]. And see how Defenders display the postcards that they receive from all over the world; a gallery of love and support that brightens the trenches at the front lines.

Need some ideas? Here is a sample message

Greetings from South Africa! Вітання з ПАР!

Sending you warmth and support during this winter, with the hope that your родина and your дім are safe.

We think of you often and hope you stay strong, well, and safe.

Helen / Хелен

family = родина

home = дім

Greetings from South Africa = Вітання з ПАР

Ukrainian phrases you can use

Here are some brief translations, English-to-Ukrainian, that you could write to Ukrainians. Try one!