As New Year’s Eve celebrations died down, Taiwan Stands With Ukraine (TSWU), an international Taiwanese volunteer movement, transformed Christmas cheer into meaningful support through a Taipei Christmas market gifting aid for Ukraine. Ukraine is entering its fourth year under Russia’s invasion. Since February 2022, approximately 10 million people have fled the country. As of fall 2025, Ukraine is still experiencing severe poverty with an estimated rate of 36.9%, which is significantly higher than the poverty rate of 5.5% to 24.1% before and during 2022. The invasion has set Ukraine back by approximately 15 years.

A Taiwanese organizer who identifies as “Jen” founded TSWU, which consists of Ukrainians, Taiwanese and international volunteers who mobilized around the invasion’s onset. It serves to support Ukrainians through volunteer-led efforts and government backing. TSWU uses its funds to provide humanitarian and medical aid to Ukrainian refugees, children and elders who have resettled in Taiwan. The booth acquired donations at the Taipei New Year’s Eve Party that took place from December 26 to December 31, 2025, serving the same humanitarian purpose.

Amid the festivities and market stalls during the celebration, TSWU distinguished itself by organizing a Taipei Christmas market gifting aid for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian Booth

Taipei, the capital of Taiwan, annually holds a New Year’s Fair in the Xinyi District. The fair itself features live performances, a countdown celebration and department stores that illuminate the city during the holidays. TSWU’s booth, which opened on the fourth day of the fair, blended culture and festivity with charity through the Taipei Christmas market gifting aid for Ukraine.

The booth collected donations through the sale of unique Ukrainian souvenirs and the performances of traditional Ukrainian Christmas carols. Participants could also join the educational workshops to create Malanka masks and didukhs. The souvenirs ranged from traditional crafts to original artworks and festive treats. Traditional festive Ukrainian folk songs echoed throughout the district and along the streets near the Taipei 101 skyscraper, allowing the public to experience Ukrainian traditions.

This year’s booth featured multiple students from Zhenzhi National University and Taiwan National University under the guidance of their instructor, Su Yuxuan. It brought Ukrainian and Taiwanese volunteers together with local residents, not just to share Ukrainian culture, but to inform them of Ukraine’s current conditions.

TSWU’s Previous Successes

Since its formation in response to Russia’s invasion, TSWU has done multiple projects that have delivered aid to Ukraine from Taiwan, the Taipei Times reports. It has raised a total of 4.5 million New Taiwan Dollars (NTD) since February, 2022. It has also raised enough money at Taipei’s Europe Festival in 2023 to buy two ambulances and medical supplies for Ukraine. Since September 17, 2024, Ukraine has purchased a total of six ambulances, which helped medical personnel evacuate more lives, deliver aid and reduce fatalities.

Taipei’s 2025 European Countries Festival highlighted Ukrainian culture, thanks to TSWU’s collaboration with Leleka, another organization aiding Ukraine. They sold Ukrainian souvenirs, clothing, treats and more to raise funds for aid. The organization has also collaborated with other Ukrainian aid organizations such as Kids 2 Kids, Through The War and OBOZ. In July 2024, TSWU transferred 518,624 NTD to Ukraine and its collaborators. One contribution funded renovations to make the first floor of Through The War’s shelter wheelchair accessible. In recognition of donor support, TSWU has given small tokens of appreciation ranging from stickers to custom name patterns.

Conclusion

Ukraine continues to face deepening poverty and hardship as the invasion persists. However, efforts by nonprofit organizations such as TSWU continue to provide meaningful support with engaging cultural exchanges. Compassion takes many forms, including quieter ones. While modest in scale, the Taipei Christmas market gifting aid for Ukraine helped maintain global attention on the invasion and reinforced a sense of international solidarity across communities worldwide.

– Cindy Nguyen

Cindy is based in Albuquerque, NM, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons