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Update on Fundraisers for Ukraine

It’s about time to give an update on the fundraisers for Ukraine that we have been involved in over the last year and a half. Last winter, we shipped 3,500 safety reflectors to kids in Kyiv which we posted about here. It was quite a project and we could not have done it without help from others here in the Chicago area and beyond. We are grateful for the students from the honors program at Evanston Township High School, who spend a few hours after school to attach chains to the reflectors. In an amazing team effort, about ten students chained over 3,000 reflectors in no time! An anonymous local donor and the Danish-Ukranian organization “Bevar Ukraine” helped us ship the reflectors to Ukraine. This included another 500 safety reflectors that we were able to send in November of 2023. The Kyiv Police posted some pictures here in March of 2023, when the first batch arrived.

Local high school students helping attach chains to safety reflectors for Ukrainian children as part of our fundraisers for Ukraine
A few of the high school students from ETHS that helped attach chains to the reflectors. Faces are hidden for safety reasons.

Safety Reflectors Raising Money for Ukrainian women in Sweden

Before we received the request for safety reflectors, we used some to raise funds for Ukrainian women in Sweden. In 2022, we donated 120 safety reflectors to SWEA, the Swedish Women’s Educational Association, which is a global network of Swedish Women living abroad. Across the world, SWEA was raising money for a project in Sweden, where Ukrainian refugee women in Sweden with a background in health care, received Swedish language education and help fining jobs in Sweden. The safety reflectors contributed to raising around $700 in chapters across North America. Globally, SWEA raised about $100,000, and it was their largest donation ever to a single cause. There is more information here (in Swedish) about the donation to “Beredskapslyftet” and the Ukrainian Professional Support Center in Stockholm.

Fundraiser closed

For now, we have closed our fundraiser for Ukraine, but if you want to help, you can donate directly to our partner in Denmark: “Bevar Ukraine” who are still very active or to any of the organizations listed in this NPR article.

Thanks again to all who are helping those who are in distress because of wars!

Update on Fundraisers for Ukraine Read More »

Safety Reflectors for Kids in Kyiv, Ukraine

As the war rages on in Ukraine, my mom, who is child refugee from East Germany, and I have had many long conversations on the trauma of being a child in war times. Yesterday, we received a request from the Danish-Ukranian organization “Bevar Ukraine” to help provide safety reflectors for children in Kyiv. If you think it is is hard to see kids (and adults) in the dark here in North America, imagine what it is like where there is no power for street lights. So, of course we’ll send some safety reflectors for kids in Kyiv – 3,500 to be precise.

We are sending 3,500 safety reflectors to kids in Kyiv, among others, stars, soccer balls, baseballs and peace signs
We are sending 3,500 safety reflectors to kids in Kyiv, among others, stars, soccer balls, baseballs and peace signs

There are also several other factors which makes this such a heartbreaking situation:

  • Kids and teens are already traumatized by the war
  • Many of the kids living in Kiev today have been misplaced from other parts of the country and are not used to navigating the heavy traffic of a big city
  • The days are significantly shorter in Kyiv than in most places in the US outside of Alaska. Today sunrise in Kyiv is at 7:40 am and sunset at 4:41pm, which means some kids will go both to and from school in the dark, dawn or dusk.

We are helping as much as we can by sending 3,500 reflectors from our inventory. If you want us to send more, we need your help to pay for material. A donation of $5 will add 5 reflectors to our shipment. If you want to help more, just add it several times to the cart or go to your cart and change the quantity. You can combine it with an order of safety reflectors for yourself and your loved ones. We will close this fundraiser when we ship, which we hopefully will do by February 2nd, 2023. Please note that this fundraiser has been closed. Thank you to everyone who contributed!!!

Below is a translation of the letter from the Ukrainian National Police about the Safety light Project.

Kyiv, November 25, 2022
About involvement to cooperation
With this letter, I express my gratitude to the non-governmental organization “Futurelab Ukraine” and to the Department of Public Communications of the executive body of the Kyiv City Council (Kyiv City State Administration) for fruitful cooperation in 2021 in the “Safety Light” project, and invite you to join the implementation of new events in 2022-2023, aimed at preventing child injuries and creating a safe environment for children in the conditions of the war.
As of today, as a result of russian aggression, the energy infrastructure of the country, and, in particular, of the city of Kyiv, has undergone critical destruction. Strict energy-saving measures are being forcibly introduced in the city: large-scale power outages are carried out in residential buildings and infrastructure facilities, and street lighting is also turned off. All this has a significant impact on children’s safety. However, despite all the negative and dangerous factors that arose as a result of the war, the educational process continues in the city of Kyiv. Most amount of children attend educational institutions with various forms of education. In addition, since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation on the territory of Ukraine, many citizens (mainly women and children from the southern and eastern regions of Ukraine) suffered from enemy shelling and were forced to move to safer cities. To date, more than 207,000 internally displaced persons have been registered in the city of Kyiv, of which 36,200 are children. Today, it is these children who most often become victims of childhood injuries, since it is difficult for them to adapt to the conditions of a big city, where the intensity of traffic is much higher than in the settlements where they lived before being forced to move to the city of Kyiv.
In addition, cases of injuries to children who return home from school in the dark period of the day have become more frequent, because in the autumn and winter season, the light period is much shorter and road users become practically invisible, which leads to their injuries.
With the aim of reducing child injuries and ensuring a safe environment, the juvenile prevention police officers of the preventive activities department of the main department of the national police of the city of Kyiv constantly conduct educational, informational and educational activities aimed at forming a high level of legal awareness and correct value orientations. In addition, we constantly conduct information activities regarding the safe behavior of children on the street “Be noticeable”.
Considering the above, we offer the authors of the “Safety Light” project, the representatives of the NGO “Futurelab Ukraine” Tetiana Haliuk and Olena Medvyedyeva, as well as to the charity foundation “Bevar Ukraine” and to the Department of Public Communications of the executive body of the Kyiv City Council (Kyiv City State Administration) in 2022-2023, to join the work of juvenile prevention police in online and online meetings, as well as to find an opportunity to provide children with reflective elements (stickers, bracelets, vests, lanterns and other reflective elements) in the amount of about 50,000 pieces as soon as possible, depending on opportunities of partners. Reflective elements will be distributed to children by juvenile prevention officers during preventive and educational events and at informational meetings.
We hope on effective cooperation!
Sincerely,
Oleg ONYSHKO

Safety Reflectors for Kids in Kyiv, Ukraine Read More »

Small Business Saturday is not over…

Today is Small Business Saturday, yesterday was Black Friday and with only one day of breathing space, we have Cyber Monday and Giving Tuesday ahead. Are you also overwhelmed with an inbox where every email is screaming for your attention (and your money)? Or the notifications on your phone announcing “deal drops every hour”? Yea, we are too and that’s why we want to give you a chance to slow down, take a walk, hang out with your favorite people or just curl up with a book. Then shop what you need when it suits your schedule.

Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday is all one sale at funflector so you can shop great deals on your terms
Small Business Saturday is a great campaign to highlight small businesses, but your support is equally appreciated any day!

Small Business Saturday is not over… Read More »

funflector Events 2022

After several years of online sales only, we are excited to be out again to have conversations about pedestrian safety and fun designs.
Below are the in-person events and markets in the Chicago area and a virtual that we are taking part in during 2022.

Next up are the VIRTUAL Scandinavian Fest Holiday Market – December 2-3 and, at the same time, the in-person Andersonville Winter Market, December 2-4.

Chicago - Andersonville Winter Market at Catalpa / Clark, December 2-4, 2022 - Andersonville.org
Andersonville Winter Market, December 2-4, 2022

Winter & Holiday Markets 2022

Fall & Halloween Markets 2022

  • September 11 – Scandinavian Day – South Elgin IL, Vasa Park – 10am – 5pm
  • October 2 – Maker’s Market – Evanston IL – 1800 Maple Ave, 5th floor, 12pm – 5pm
  • October 22 – West End Fall Market – SE corner of Dodge and Church, Evanston IL – 11am – 4pm

Summer Markets 2022

Chicago - Andersonville Winter Market at Catalpa / Clark, December 2-4, 2022 - Andersonville.org
8th International Christmas Market at the Estonian House Chicago in Riverwoods IL - Saturday November 19th 2022
funflector at the Evanston Made Maker's Market October 2, 2022
Chicago – Andersonville Winter Market at Catalpa / Clark, December 2-4, 2022 – Andersonville.org
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How to Help Ukraine

As so many around the world, we have been horrified seeing the Russian attack on Ukraine unfolding in the news and on social media. Authoritarianism attacking democracy – again. One crazy man destroying the lives of so many children, women and men. Again. We are pleased to see governments stepping up sending defense equipment and humanitarian help to Ukraine. Nevertheless, we wish we could figure out how to help Ukraine end the madness immediately.

In the meantime, Ukrainians need all help they can get. If you are able, please donate to humanitarian organizations like the Red Cross, Care or Save the Children.⁠ Many news organizations has published longer lists with reputable organizations, for example this one from NPR.

backpack with yellow and blue heart safety reflectors by funflector
Hang the blue and yellow heart safety reflectors on your jackets, bags and backpacks to show support for the Ukrainian people. We will donate to humanitarian help with each order

We’ve put together a 4-pack of blue and yellow heart safety reflectors, the Ukrainian flag colors, where we will donate $8 to the Red Cross for each sold pack. Hang them on jacket zipper pulls and bags, backpacks, strollers etc to show your support for the people in Ukraine. On top of that, we’ll donate 10% of sales of our other products to the Red Cross when you use promo code “NO-WAR“. Please note that this fundraiser has been closed. Thank you to everyone who contributed!!!

Independent Press

Independent press is crucial for people around the world to understand what is actually going on. Especially with misinformation campaigns on social media, quality investigative journalism is more needed than ever. Therefore, The Kyiv Independent, is now making the chilling podcast Gaslit Nation company among our Patreon subscriptions. We highly recommend both of them if you want to learn more about Ukraine.

The funflector team

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We Have Moved to Evanston!

We’ve moved to Evanston! At the end of last year, we left Libertyville to be closer to the city and are now settling in on the North Shore in beautiful Evanston. Chicago is just a block to the south and the Lake Michigan beaches are a 15 minute walk to the east. It’s amazingly walkable and bikeable with frequent public transportation just around the corner. We can’t wait for spring, so we can explore in more pleasant temperatures.

Welcome to the City of Evanston sign
Welcome to the City of Evanston!

The city of Evanston is technically a suburb, but has a very urban feel due to its density. With the lake on one side, Chicago to the south and Skokie and Wilmette west and north, there is no room for suburban sprawl and oversized roads. On top of that, Evanston was ahead of the crowd and embraced transit-oriented development, TOD, already in the 80’s. This means increased density around transit hubs paired with decreased need for cars. This Politico Article from 2015 explains it quite thoroughly. For more background info on why this was a good move, check out Strongtowns or “Not Just Bikes“.

According the the census bureau, Evanston has a population of 78,000 on 7.8 square miles. We are looking forward to connect with our new neighbors and local businesses once the pandemic has calmed down and warmer weather makes it easier to hang out outdoors.

Impressions from the South End of Evanston

Biking on the Evanston side of Howard Street.
Biking on the Evanston side of Howard Street (before the snow arrived). On the other side is Chicago. Traffic is moving slowly enough that it feels ok to bike although we would of course prefer protected bike lanes. Needless to say: A large stash of safety reflectors came in handy!

The other day, we took a walk in the very south end of Evanston. The vintage houses are relatively small and mixed with 3-story apartment buildings which gives the neighborhood a down-to-earth and intimate feel. Below are some highlights from a cold but sunny afternoon earlier this week.

We Have Moved to Evanston! Read More »

2016/17 Collection Sneak Peek

Even in Chicago, it is almost spring – Yay! – and it’s time for the funflector team to emerge from hibernation. Let’s give you a sneak preview of our fall collection that we’ve been hard at work with during the never-ending winter months.

Camera safety reflector by funflector
New design 2016 – 📸 Camera safety reflector by funflector 📷

For amateur and pro photographers alike, the funflector® camera safety reflector will look great on your camera bag and backpack. When you are too focused on what’s in your lens at sunset, this reflector will help drivers notice you.

Ninja and Ninja Star ultra bright backpack safety reflectors by funflector®.

No ninjas on the roads, please! Make them visible in style!

“Is there a ninja school around here?” A friend of ours visiting us on a Saturday night was stressed out when arriving. Not one, but two kids had appeared next his car on the badly lit residential streets. The high schools kids were of course dressed all in black. Luckily, our friend was going slowly enough to stop, but it was stressful, nevertheless. Equip your ninjas with funflector safety reflectors for safer walks around the neighborhood and to keep heart attacks away from drivers.

Bass clef pedestrian safety reflector by funflector
🎶 For all bass singers, cello, double bass, bassoon, trombone & tuba players, we have made a bass clef safety reflector to keep you safe when getting home from late night rehearsals and performances!!! 🎶

Our popular treble clef reflector will get accompanied by a much asked for bass clef reflector. We have both cello and trombone players in the family and know about the struggle for bass clef gifts. Musicians are often out at night, on their way to and from rehearsals and performances. These ultra reflective tags look stylish on any instrument case!
Stay tuned for more cool designs coming this summer and fall. Follow us on Instagram, twitter and Facebook to get the news first!

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Reflector Safety for Schools

Last week, we posted about how prismatic safety reflectors work and some fun science projects to better understand retroreflectors. The posts were inspired by an order we recently shipped to a Seattle school for a reflector safety project.
Yesterday, I received this awesome story:
“Elisabeth,
The reflectors were a big hit. A parent and I did a safety talk and demonstration with a flash camera. I was in the school the next day and I heard a kid whispering “that’s the reflector lady”, so it must have made an impact.
At the assembly, we turned off the stage lights and I wore all black and walked across the stage, and then I turned and walked back the other way, but I had the star reflectors pinned on that half of the coat. Then the parent took a series of flash pictures to illuminate me in the dark. It was a quick and fun demonstration. We then delivered reflectors to each classroom.
Tomorrow at “Science Friday” the kids will be looking at reflectivity and retroreflectivity. Thanks for some of your science ideas.
Thanks for the fast turn around of my order.”
Monica Sweet, Seattle Safe Routes to School project

Safety Reflector demo by Monica at a Seattle School
Safety Reflector demo by Monica at a Seattle School

Thanks, Monica, for the story and photo and for letting us share it with our readers!
Elisabeth

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Streets Alive!

We can’t wait for Sunday and the Streets Alive Festival in Evanston IL! Last year, we had a great time at the Green Living Festival in Evanston, but the idea of combining the two festivals is totally awesome!

We’ll be there with America’s premier reflectors for walking, running and bicycling and with information on how you can use reflectors for marketing your brand to touch hearts and save lives 🙂

The Streets Alive + Green Living Festival takes place on Main Street in Evanston, IL this coming Sunday, September 13th, 1-6 PM. A map of all the activities can be found on the festival’s website.  Please look for the black funflector canopy  in the Green Living Festival section between Ridge and Ashbury and stop by for some treats!

The funflector booth at the Evanston Green Living Festival 2014.
The funflector booth at the Evanston Green Living Festival 2014. This year we’ll have space for our full booth 🙂

We believe that making “green choices” is important for all people on earth, and having the choice of walking/biking instead of driving is part of that. However, walkable neighborhoods do a lot of good to people in terms of general health and building a sense of community. The philosophy of the Streets Alive is right up our alley: “Streets Alive also encourages the community to collectively reimagine and repurpose our precious public spaces. Although car-free streets are temporary, they help us visualize different ways to use these spaces, and they demonstrate the pent-up demand for permanently safe, complete streets and vibrant, people-oriented open spaces.”

Looking forward seeing you there!

The funflector team

Streets Alive! Read More »

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving everyone from one small family business!
We will take time off to hang out with family and friends, contemplating our blessings – of which YOU are part! – and enjoy life. We hope you get a chance to do the same and that you can schedule your weekend around people you love instead of around door-busters. To help, the funflector sale is going on for Thanksgiving+Black Friday+Small-Business-Saturday+Cyber Monday so YOU can CHOOSE when to get your great deals on reflectors! Get the details in our webshop>

Thank you for a fabulous year from a small family business!
Thank you for a fabulous year from a small family business!

Eat well and be seen!
The funflector team via Elisabeth 🙂

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