Principle #6 – Move to Action and help relieve the Ukraine crisis
My apologies for not updating you last Sunday…we had sporadic Wi-Fi coverage while birding in South Africa. Last week we left Etosha National Park and moved south to Okonjima Nature Reserve. We saw leopards, lions, and cheetahs. Okonjima Nature Reserve offers education for big cats through AfriCats Foundation, a Non-Profit organization in Namibia, Africa.
Next, we flew to South Africa for a 15-day birding trip. Needless to say, Dana was in 7th heaven. We had a little rain, so I took an umbrella and was the only one with an umbrella. Apparently, a true birder does not use an umbrella! Oh well! We saw over one hundred birds! It was fantastic!
Cindy is the only one with an umbrella!!!
Also, in South Africa, we went to Kruger National Park. We saw zebras, elephants, hippos, hyenas, and wild dogs. The wildlife in Africa is absolutely fantastic…so different from the United States!
As we are exploring Africa, the Ukrainian crisis continues. And URI and KDU are assisting Ukrainian families in finding employment, teaching Polish and English language classes, providing clothing and food, psychotherapy, mother groups, and activities for teens and young children.
The weather is turning colder, but that’s not stopping the Świetlica Dębniki Community Center from inviting children to enjoy outdoor fun in the courtyard of the community center. Named “childhood country, the country of dreams and love every Saturday.” Check out the video… https://youtube.com/shorts/kr0lKRj3z9M.
The Ukrainian women give back to their new community. On Wednesday, they make dumplings for their Polish neighbors. Piper VanOrd and Kelly Harrington Nicholl were visiting from Pennsylvania and joined in cooking the national dish. It’s a great way for everyone to connect. Enjoy the video of making dumplings, https://youtu.be/0x8yg_DvRa4.
The community center is open seven days a week with classes, workshops, daycare, and many more activities. There’s something for everyone! Even though Ukrainian women and children are still affected by the war, the community center brings smiles and laughter. Our Ukrainian friends feel welcomed and part of the community. URI + KDU: “1 + 1 = 1,000”
“Relieve the crisis. Thoughtfully. With Discipline and heart. Now.”
If this relief effort speaks to you, please consider a donation. Every little bit helps. To those who have donated, thank you for your generous contributions to making this community center possible. Please spread the word to your social circles. Together we can accomplish so much. Thank you all for being a part of my circle of light! Be positive and stay safe. Hope for peace in Ukraine!
Much love,
Cindy and Dana
HOW TO MAKE FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE UKRAINIAN RELIEF INITIATIVE
All contributions are fully tax-deductible through HCC, our registered 501(c)(3) passthrough charity.
TO CONTRIBUTE BY CHECK:
Make your check payable to **Hispanic Community Council** – (VERY IMPORTANT: not to Ukraine Relief Initiative) and send it to the following address:
HCC – URI
c/o John Kersey
208 Liberty Street
Warren, PA 16365
Please indicate “Ukrainian Relief Initiative” in the check memo and include a note with your contact info (address, phone, email).
TO CONTRIBUTE ELECTRONICALLY BY PAYPAL:
Use this link: https://www.paypal.com/
In the memo, please include your name, address, phone #, and email so we can process your tax receipt.