Impressions and Dark Horse to help Ukraine

Saratoga Springs- Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Horse Mercantile have created two designs that will be available for purchase with proceeds donated to The International Red Cross – Ukraine Relief Efforts. https://www.icrc.org/en/donate/ukraine

We at Impressions have been devastated by the current crisis in the Ukraine. We want to help the Ukrainian people as they struggle to preserve their independence. We thought that by doing what we do best, designing wearable. we could help the most. With that in mind, we have created two separate designs that, for now will be imprinted on T-shirts and Sweatshirts, with the proceeds being donated to the Red Cross to help those in need today and for as long as the struggle goes on.

Co-owners, Marianne Barker and Maddy Zanetti, both worked separately on a design on Tuesday, each having a completely unique take. We decided to go ahead with both designs and quickly enlisted the aid of T-Shirts Graphics to pull the art together, ordered the blank garments and hope to have shirts available by early next week.

The designs are attached below and here is the inspiration for each.

Using the colors of the Ukrainian flag as a background we have placed a sunflower, the country’s official flower in the center with the words “Glory to Ukraine” a motto often used during times of struggle since the mid 1800’s. Bracketing these words are stylized tridents that represent the Ukrainian crest. The sunflower is included for many reasons. Ukraine is the world’s largest producer (70-80%) of sunflower oil, the flower also symbolizes peace and is being used internationally as a sign of solidarity with Ukraine. It’s been grown in Ukraine since the 1800’s. This design is available in a natural-colored tee with more styles added soon.

Also using the Ukrainian flag colors, the second design features a small logo over the heart with a dove of peace and the words “Glory to Ukraine – Stand for Freedom”. On the back of the tee printed in the same colors are the words “In dark times you can be a light for others” it features a swish of blue and yellow with our Dark Horse silhouette superimposed over it. He features the Ukrainian trident as a brand on his rump. The Dark Horse brand celebrates those who are considered underdogs (improbable heroes) and the Ukrainian people are certainly exhibiting this trait with their valiant efforts to keep control of their country.

This design will be featured on a light grey heather tee and crewneck sweat for now.

Each garment will be packaged with a story card detailing the beneficiary of the proceeds and will feature a packet of Sunflower seeds that we hope will encourage a Victory Garden response! Growing sunflowers to show our support and hopefully help with the expected shortage of sunflower products as the Ukraine’s supply chain is disrupted by this crisis. The seeds have been sourced from the Page Sees Company in Greenville, NY.

Prices are still being determined for the garments factoring in the cost of the garment, freight and decorating costs. Our goal is to raise as much as we possibly can to help with the humanitarian aid needed to help these courageous citizens of the Ukraine. The money will be donated weekly so it gets where it needs to go as quickly as possible with your support

The Sunflower garments will be available at Impressions of Saratoga and The Dark Times garments will be available at The Dark Horse Mercantile. We will be accepting pre orders online to be picked up on arrival or can be shipped. The shirts should be available in our stores next week.

LINK: https://www.impressionssaratoga.com/shop/?ixwpss=ukraine