Surgut Activists Create Kotyshchi Currency for Animal Charity

The public movement 'Dai Lapu' in Surgut has invented Kotyshchi, a souvenir 'currency' given to donors supporting homeless animals, and the initiative has spread across Russia.

Feb 3, 2026

Kotyshchi serves as the national currency for the fictional land of Dailapia, created by animal welfare activists.
Source:
public animal assistance movement «Dai Lapu», city of Surgut

In Surgut, a new «currency» has been invented — Kotyshchi. It can be obtained by making a donation to help homeless animals. This idea came to activists of the public movement «Dai Lapu».

Donors receive these souvenir bills in exchange for contributions to support homeless cats and dogs.
Source:
public animal assistance movement «Dai Lapu», city of Surgut

Externally, Kotyshchi resemble Russian rubles, with denominations of 1000, 2000, and 5000, a serial number, and even its own coat of arms. To obtain the cat currency, one needs to make a donation to the organization through a special website. The funds will go towards food, treatment, and care for cats and dogs in the shelter. In return, animal volunteers will send an envelope with Kotyshchi by mail. The souvenir bills can be hung on the refrigerator or carried in a wallet as a good luck charm.

The currency notes can be kept as lucky charms or displayed, symbolizing support for animal shelters.
Source:
public animal assistance movement «Dai Lapu», city of Surgut

According to the legend, Kotyshchi is the national currency of the fictional country Dailapia, developed by its local Central Bank, which even has its own chairman — cat Raisin. He received the most votes from electors. The exchange rate from rubles to Kotyshchi is 1:1.

Cat Raisin is humorously appointed as the chairman of Dailapia«s Central Bank in the Kotyshchi currency lore.
Source:
public animal assistance movement «Dai Lapu», city of Surgut

«In the human world, prices are rising, currency rates are falling, and cashbacks are burning out. But in Dailapia, there is stability. Kotyshchi is not subject to inflation: one Kotyshcha is like a thousand hugs, and the rate only increases. Invest in Kotyshchi: the rate of care for dogs and cats is the most reliable asset this season,» the activists report.

The head of the «Dai Lapu» movement, Alexandra Nurieva, told 86.RU that Kotyshchi has spread far beyond Surgut — it has been sent to Moscow, Saratov, Cherkessk, Luhansk, Tver Region, and so on. Just a couple of days ago, souvenir bills went to St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Kogalym.

«Our idea has brought the desired result. This is an unusual way to attract donors, and they are actively and with interest participating in such a project. It allows not only to attract donations but also to establish an emotional connection with those who help,» shared Nurieva.

Earlier we reported that a resident of Yugra organized a home shelter and is looking for new owners for her charges. Take a look at these cuties.