Our camp community proved once again that people banding together in times of need can, indeed, make a difference. The war in Ukraine is beyond our control; however, we can take action to help those who are affected and to educate our children about compassion, love and togetherness.

Kids Against War fundraiser was an unmitigated success, made possible by all who volunteered, both kids and adults, from various nationalities and by the generosity of all who attended. Volunteers baked more than 550 blinchiki, cooked pirozhki and pastries, donated beautiful items for the silent auction, brought in supplies, led crafts, and performed setup and tear down after the event. Thank you all!

During this short time, we accomplished a great deal together. We created sunflowers, wrote cards to Ukrainian children, knit chunky blankets, created mosaics, made origami paper cranes, the kids participated in an interactive Ukrainian Fairy Tale “Rukavichka” and joined together to create a friendship circle, played chess matches and shared our friendships. We hugged each other, embracing the common grief for the war in Ukraine and for all affected. In war, all suffer.

Because of efforts of all involved, together we were able to raise $2045! Russian Camp MN will provide a 100% matching contribution, making a total monetary donation of $4090. We are donating this amount, in full, to a non-profit organization of medical personnel, all immigrants from Russia and Ukraine, called Global Disaster Relief team. This group flew to Poland for 3 weeks to provide medical help to Ukrainian refugees and our friend, a parent of one of our campers and a fellow Minnesotan is among them! They provide medical care and essential supplies directly to those in need.

Together we stay strong and united!