Rotary District 5870 Central Texas was busy this past Labor Day Weekend at Variety's Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children.  Over 50 Ukrainian refuge children & parents enjoyed being together as a community with your help through a $25,000 Rotary Foundation Grant.  It is through your donations that these children were able to experience the best of what Peaceable Kingdom has to offer.

 

Some children were with other kids who spoke their native language for the first time since they left Ukraine. They were able to build a sense of community, relationships, and practice their English.  They discovered that they were not alone.  They got to be kids at camp, empowered to try new things, through a variety of outdoor adventures and activities. 

 

55 Rotarian volunteers, 20 Ukrainian community volunteers, and Peaceable Kingdom together worked to create a space where kids could be kids, laugh and explore for a few days.

 

Although my role was small, helping to prepare and serve dinner, I got to see first hand the results of trauma, fear and distrust over a pre-filled glass of water.  At the same time there were those who timidly tried new foods, foods they were not accustomed to and came back for more.  Who knew guacamole would be such a hit!  It's green after all!  One little girl celebrated her birthday.  The whole group sang to her in Ukrainian.  DG Shannon Coleman lead the 2nd verse in English resulting in squeals of delight! 

 

Smiles. Curious. Inquisitive. Children at play.  Having fun!  I'd go again and volunteer in a heartbeat! 

 

IMAGINE Peace.  IMAGINE Joy.  IMAGINE Serving.  IMAGINE what project your next donation will support.