Providing Summer
Camps for Nearly 3,000 Ukrainian Children in Ukraine, the USA, and Italy
ROSELAND, N.J. and LVIV-VYNNYKY, Ukraine, June 18,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Hope for Ukraine is thrilled to announce the launch of
its "Summer of Hope" campaign, an initiative dedicated to providing
enriching summer camp experiences for Ukrainian children in
Ukraine and abroad. Through this
initiative, Hope for Ukraine will
organize and find summer camps for Ukrainian children in
Ukraine and Ukrainian refugee
children in Italy and the United States.
Hope for Ukraine plans to offer
nearly 3,000 children the chance to attend five-day summer camps,
fostering a sense of normalcy, joy, and rehabilitation amidst
challenging times. The "Summer of Hope" campaign has already begun,
with the first camps successfully launched in Ukraine and Indiana.
Summer of Hope Campaign Overview:
United States: More than
1,000 Ukrainian refugee children will attend camps across
Gatlinburg, Tennessee;
Columbus, Ohio, New Albany, Indiana; Asheville, North Carolina; and Seattle, Washington. Over 300,000 Ukrainian
war refugees live in the U.S. These camps provide a critical
opportunity for the children to enjoy a summer filled with fun,
learning, and camaraderie.
Ukraine: Hope for
Ukraine is planning for 1,800
children in Ukraine to participate
in camps designed to offer a much-needed respite from daily air
raid sirens and the ongoing conflict. These camps will emphasize
rehabilitation, helping children cope with the emotional and
psychological impacts of war.
Maria Kulyniak, Camp Director,
and head of the non-profit organization 'City Development' in
Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, highlights
the importance of these camps: "Children's summer camps in the
de-occupied territories and in front-line cities are now very
important projects. A child's upbringing and development cannot be
put on hold. The war leaves a cruel imprint on the child's
psycho-emotional state. Without the help of qualified psychologists
and art therapy methods, the child alone will not be able to fully
cope with the consequences of stress. To conduct our summer camps,
we plan to engage a team of professional mentors. We will work with
children in such a way that the camp is not only a break for the
child but also an opportunity for them to acquire various skills
and gain a positive experience during stressful times of
instability. Additionally, as children mostly learn online, the
camp and communication with peers will help children build social
connections and adapt to the conditions caused by the war."
Italy: Hope for
Ukraine, in collaboration with
their Italian partners, Hope Ukraine Foundation ETS plans to give
approximately two hundred Ukrainian refugee children the
opportunity to attend professional soccer club children's camps in
Italy. Italy is home to over 30,000 Ukrainian war
refugees who arrived there after the full-scale invasion. This
initiative will provide a unique opportunity for children to engage
in sports and build new friendships. The professional soccer clubs
hosting Ukrainian refugee children in their summer camps include AC
Milan, ACF Fiorentina, Spezia
Calcio, AS Cittadella, and Bologna FC 1909.
"Football Summer Camps 2024 are more than just a sports program;
they are a beacon of hope and transformation for young refugees in
Ukraine," said Marco Toson, President of Hope Ukraine
Foundation E.T.S. "These camps provide a crucial safe haven where
children can escape the trauma of their displacement, build
meaningful relationships, and develop life skills that will serve
them well into the future. Our aim is to create an environment
where they can not only have fun but also grow, learn, and find a
sense of belonging. Your support in this initiative is vital to
helping these children reclaim their childhood and dream
again."
Tolson continues, "Hope Ukraine is dedicated to providing
support, relief, and opportunities for refugees and displaced
individuals in Ukraine and in
Italy. Our mission is to foster
resilience, promote social integration, and enhance the well-being
of vulnerable communications through educational programs,
humanitarian aid, and community-driven initiatives. We believe in
the power of compassion, solidarity, and action to transform lives
and build a brighter future for all."
"This summer, we are determined to bring hope and joy to
Ukrainian children enduring unimaginable hardships," said
Yuriy Boyechko, Founder and CEO of
Hope for Ukraine. "Through our
'Summer of Hope' campaign, we aim to provide a safe and supportive
environment where these children can heal, learn, and simply be
kids again."
By launching the "Summer of Hope" campaign, Hope for
Ukraine continues its mission to
bring light and hope to those who need it most, demonstrating
unwavering support and solidarity with the Ukrainian community
worldwide.
Hope Ukraine is a non-profit
organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid, support, and
hope to the people of Ukraine.
Through various initiatives, the organization aims to improve the
lives of those affected by the ongoing conflict, focusing
particularly on the most vulnerable populations.
About Hope for Ukraine
Hope for Ukraine is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization (EIN: 81-1401967), passionately committed to making a
positive impact in the lives of those affected by the Ukraine
crisis. Established with strong dedication in 2016, our mission is
rooted in compassion and driven by the vision of a united,
resilient, and peaceful Ukraine. Hope For Ukraine is a four-star
charity with Charity Navigator and Platinum Transparency Charity
with Candid, and it received vetted status from Global Giving.
These recognitions underscore our dedication to transparency,
accountability, and excellence.
Hope For Ukraine was established with a mission to
provide assistance with food, shelter, and education to the needy
people in Ukraine. Ever since 2016, we have evolved ourselves
and helped people throughout the challenges of the Russian war. The
full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 served as a
rallying cry for Hope for Ukraine. In the face of hardship, we
redirected our efforts to address the urgent needs of those
affected by the conflict. Our primary focus shifted to providing
food, clothes, shelter, and medical support to people affected by
the war. Hope For Ukraine Charity | Donate to Ukraine Charity
Site (hfu.org).
Media Contact:
Brigit Hennaman, VP, Rubenstein Public Relations
bhennaman@rubensteinpr.com 212-805-3005
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SOURCE Hope for Ukraine