Raise Your Voice: Charity Organisation “Tavi draugi” Launches Support Campaign with ansis Following Devastating Fire

Following the arson attack that severely affected the base of the charity organisation “Tavi draugi” in Riga in July, the public is invited to join the “Raise Your Voice” support campaign. As part of the campaign, anyone can send an audio message of support, collectively demonstrating that compassion, solidarity and the desire to help are stronger than hatred. The campaign is inspired by musician ansis’ song “Pacel savu balsi” (“Raise Your Voice”), and the artist is also the ambassador of the campaign.

Throughout August, everyone is invited to record a short audio message of good wishes, encouragement or words of gratitude to “Tavi draugi” and send it via the organisation’s social media channels or to the phone number 22481985. Each submitted message will become part of a shared story in what will become Latvia’s longest voice message of support.

All submitted messages will be sequentially combined into one continuous audio recording, preserving each person’s individual voice. The result will be a symbolic record-breaking voice message of support in Latvia – a single message voiced collectively by dozens, hundreds or even thousands of people.

Campaign ambassador and musician ansis explains: “The call of the song ‘Raise Your Voice’ is not about being loud or shouting louder than others. It is about, in that difficult moment when your medium, your voice, has been trampled into the mud, raising it with pride and strength so that you can use it again and move closer to the goals we believe in. I would say that the situation of ‘Tavi draugi’ brings the core of this song to life in the most literal sense.”

The arson attack that took place in July at the “Tavi draugi” premises at 23 Lapeņu Street in Riga caused severe damage to the organisation’s office, warehouse and logistics centre. The fire destroyed part of the premises, covering approximately 250 square metres, as well as donations intended for civilians and the Ukrainian army in Ukraine and for people facing hardship here in Latvia. However, the organisation’s work has not stopped. Following the incident, “Tavi draugi” continues to accept and sort donations, deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine, distribute food packages to people in Latvia, deliver vehicles for the needs of the Ukrainian army, operate camouflage net workshops and carry out other charitable projects.

Ulvis Noviks, head of “Tavi draugi”, says: “‘Raise Your Voice’ is an invitation for everyone to become part of supporting those who are having a harder time. Sometimes the most important thing is not loud words, but the knowledge that you are not alone. One voice can encourage, while hundreds of voices of kindness can give us the strength to keep going.”

In addition to emotional support, the organisation is also calling for donations to help eliminate the consequences of the fire as quickly as possible and ensure the continuity of its work.

How can you help “Tavi draugi”?

• Financially – by making a donation to the organisation’s bank account LV21HABA0551046111790 or calling the donation phone number 90006865 (cost per call: €4.27).
• With material donations – the current list of items needed is regularly published through the organisation’s information channels.
• By becoming a volunteer – information on how to sign up is available through the organisation’s communication channels. There are no age or professional experience restrictions for volunteers; the most important thing is the willingness to take action and help others with your knowledge, skills and talents.
• By sending your voice – record an audio message of support and send it to the organisation via social media or to 22481985.