By Shannon Coleman, governor of District 5870 Central Texas, USA
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February, the United Nations estimates that more than 14 million people are thought to have fled their homes. We began hearing about some of these families through our Ukrainian community here is Central and South-Central Texas. Children are entering our school systems with only the clothes on their backs. Many of the families have experienced violence, war, a shortage of food, water or shelter, personal injury, and disease.
Wanting to help, Rotarians in our district applied for a Disaster Response Grant from The Rotary Foundation to work with Peaceable Kingdom by Variety, a children’s retreat/camp in Killeen, for a three-night, four-day recreational experience over the Labor Day weekend. We imagined a space where the Ukrainian families could connect with their community, step away from the reminders of war, and take a much-needed deep breath. We wanted to give the children a place to explore, laugh and just be kids.
Working with the Ukrainian community in our area, we identified 47 children ranging in age from 5-13. Twenty-six parents also attended. The $20,000 grant provided for overnight lodging and meals, facility costs, and on-site medical professionals. We had 55 Rotary members give more than 350 volunteer hours, while 20 members of our Ukrainian community volunteered their time. All volunteers were required to complete a criminal background check and a child sexual abuse prevention training.
