Kolomna, Russia—The 12 finalists in the annual Moscow contest Mr. & Miss University brought holiday cheer to a home for disabled children.

Having met a week earlier to plan the program, they immediately started preparing, and on December 24, 2017, they brought costumes and props to the city of Kolomna, 114 kilometers (71 miles) southeast of Moscow, to give a Novy God (New Year) celebration for the residents of the “Curly Hedgehog” center.

The talented finalists in the Mr. & Miss University competition—a project of UPF—gave a concert and led a master class in painting wooden toys. They also guided the children in playing games, singing and dancing, and guessing riddles.

After the merry celebration, each child received a small present of sweets. All were happy with the holiday: the organizers and participants of the contest, the parents and, most importantly, the children.

Alisa Zaichenko, one of the finalists, said afterward: “We cherish very warm memories after the trip to Kolomna. When you can do something that can bring someone joy, brighten someone's day—whether it is by a song, a dance or a game—it's a great happiness. We had fun together with the children, and now the spirit of the New Year magic is everywhere with me.”

Arina Kirichek, another participant, said: “The trip to ‘special children’ opened something new in each of us. Some could grasp the unity of participants, others got charged with new ideas and positive emotions, and there were those who decided to use their creativity in volunteering. Together we managed to create an atmosphere of a kind and happy New Year for both children and their parents, and for ourselves. Throughout the day, smiles were always on the children’s faces, and this, as we all know, is the biggest reward.”

Another contestant, Hasmik Mkrtchyan, commented: “That day brought us all a lot of joy! The children with special abilities showed us an example of how strong they were. Each child is an individual with incredible abilities, and these children are not like us; they are special! To give them such a holiday was a sea of happiness! We are grateful to the organizers for giving us the chance to reveal our different side, the most important for us and for the society.”