Steamboat Springs Rotary Supports Relief Efforts in Ukraine
On Tuesday, October 22, the Steamboat Springs Rotary Club received a presentation by Laura Pauli entitled “Boots on the Ground - Stories from the War in Ukraine.” Laura heads the non-profit Feed the World and has received humanitarian funds from the Steamboat Springs Rotary Club to help open a mental health meditation center for children and adults suffering from the destruction of war. Many orphans at the center, aged 4 to 17 have lost family members or have parents fighting in the war. During her presentation, Laura explained these children experience daily what Americans experienced during 9/11. She has made numerous trips in 2023-2024 to deliver humanitarian aid and supplies and has volunteered with World Central Kitchen to provide thousands of meals all across Ukraine—in other words to meet people’s needs in the moment of their most profound need.
Ukraine 1 photo: Shows the projects being supported by humanitarian grants from the Steamboat Springs Rotary Club including direct refugee assistance; mental health programs; convalescent homes for the elderly; a diaper project for families with small children; and wood burning stoves and windows for Ukrainian residents. These are projects she is involved in and continues to need further funding.
Ukraine 2 photo: Laura Pauli explains how World Community Kitchen set up a welcoming stop at the first train station in Poland accepting adults and children fleeing Ukraine. Refugees stepping off their trains were met with a hot meal and children were presented with a stuffed animal because many had to leave their homes with virtually no possessions or food because of bombings in their towns.
Ukraine 3 photo: The Rotary Club’s second grant helped to create a mental health center for orphaned children in southwestern Ukraine who have lost parents in the war or have parents who are on the front lines fighting the war. The Rotary Club purchased meditation mats and supplies used for programs conducted by a trauma trained psychologist.