Leshy Scarf Fundraiser for Ukraine – 2022

The Leshy Scarf Fundraiser for Ukraine

In 2022, after the war in Ukraine began, I wanted to find a small way in which my work could help.

As a Pole, the events taking place so close to my home country felt particularly difficult to watch. My thoughts were with the people of Ukraine, but especially with children and families suddenly forced to leave their homes and look for safety.

I decided to use one of my own designs to raise money for SOS Children’s Villages UK and their work supporting children and families affected by the war.

Why I Chose Leshy

The choice of Leshy was not accidental.

Leshy comes from Slavic mythology and is known as the guardian of the forest and its inhabitants. The character had already become an important part of my A/W 2021 collection, inspired by stories I remembered from growing up in Poland.

At that moment, the idea of a guardian felt particularly meaningful. I chose Leshy as a small symbol of protection while using the scarves themselves to contribute to something very real.

Three Scarves, One Purpose

The original plan was to offer one Leshy silk scarf and donate 100% of the profit.

The response came very quickly. After the first scarf sold, I decided to add another two scarves that were available in the studio.

All three were sold, and 100% of the profits were donated to SOS Children’s Villages UK.

A Small Response Through My Work

I knew that selling a few scarves could only ever be a small contribution in the context of what was happening.

But doing something small felt better than simply watching and feeling unable to help.

I was incredibly grateful to everyone who responded, shared the message and bought the scarves. Because of that support, what started with one scarf became three.

For me, this remains one of those moments when the meaning of a design moved beyond the illustration itself.

The Story of Leshy

Leshy was originally created as part of my collection inspired by Slavic mythology and the stories I knew from childhood.

Like every illustration, the character can take on a different meaning depending on where and when it is seen. During this fundraiser, Leshy became something very simple — a guardian chosen to help support children and families who needed protection.

You can explore Leshy and more of the original stories behind my illustrations in the Ilona Tambor design archive .

Thank you to everyone who helped turn three scarves into something more.

Each piece begins with a line.