Father Frost and Snow Maiden visit the Urals from America

2009/12/26

Allegra Istrati aka Snegurochka with Ded Moroz

On Saturday, December 26, PAO Chris Istrati and his daughter Allegra, participated in a charitable action organized by the NGO “Dorogami Dobra” (By the Roads of Goodness). The PAO dressed up in a Father Frost (Dyet Moroz) costume complete with beard, robe, cap and cowboy boots, while his daughter donned the celestial blue costume of Snow Maiden (Snegurochka). Paired with other Russian volunteers, they separately visited several homes of disadvantaged families and handicapped children to distribute toys, gifts and food. The Father Frost and Snow Maiden teams were greeted with excitement by the children who recited verses or sang songs and joined in traditional dances around the Christmas tree (Yolochka). The foreign volunteers were accompanied by news reporters curious as to why Americans would abandon Santa Claus in favor of “Dyet Moroz.” The PAO explained that Russian children didn’t know Santa Claus, so that it was more appropriate to visit the children as Father Frost and Snow Maiden, even one speaking Russian with an American accent. In addition to the father and daughter team, several other American volunteers joined in the charitable action, after receiving training by professional actors into the traditional craft of being Father Frost and Snow Maiden. The gifts were provided to the NGO “Dorogami Dobra” by company donors like Pepsi Cola and the Mars candy corporation, as well as by gifts from individual donors. Valery Basay, Director of the NGO “Dorogami Dobra” plans to visit more than 100 children before the New Year. The NGO carries out charitable projects with several orphanages during the year, including training prospective adopting parents and volunteers for community action.