In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, Slavics.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Ukrainian children affected by the ongoing War, recently organized a special trip for 20 Ukrainian kids now living in San Diego. Sponsored by the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club, the children were given the chance to visit Disneyland—a magical escape that offered them a moment of joy and wonder after the hardships they have endured since fleeing Ukraine.
A Magical Experience for Children in San Diego
These 20 Ukrainian children, ages 5 to 14, are currently living in San Diego after being displaced by the War in Ukraine. Many of them arrived in the U.S. with their families as refugees, seeking safety and stability after months of upheaval. While they have found refuge in a new country, the emotional and psychological toll of the War has been profound. The Disneyland trip, made possible by the support of the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club, was an opportunity for them to experience something positive, providing a much-needed break from their challenges and allowing them to enjoy being kids again.
The children, accompanied by their caregivers and volunteers from Slavics.org, spent whole Thursday at the world-famous theme park, where they were treated to a variety of activities, including meeting beloved Disney characters, enjoying thrilling rides, and watching magical parades. The excitement was palpable as the kids explored the park, some of them visiting Disneyland for the very first time.
A Strong Partnership: Slavics.org and Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club
The success of this special trip was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Slavics.org and the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club. Slavics.org worked tirelessly to coordinate travel, logistics, and accommodations for the children, ensuring that every detail of the trip was taken care of. Meanwhile, the Del Mar/ Solana Beach Rotary Club generously provided the financial sponsorship and logistical support needed to make this dream come true.
“We are proud to support these children and offer them a moment of joy,” said Herb Lieberman , member of the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club. “Given all that they’ve been through, it’s important that we come together as a community to provide positive experiences, and we hope this trip will bring them lasting memories and a sense of hope.”
For the children, it was more than just a trip—it was a chance to experience the magic of Disneyland, to laugh and smile, and to forget, even if just for a short time, the pain and trauma of their past.
A Symbol of Hope and Healing
While the trip to Disneyland was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience for the children, its significance extends beyond the fun and excitement. It serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding the children that despite the challenges they’ve faced, they are not forgotten. The trip is also a testament to the power of community, with Slavics.organd the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club working together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these young refugees.
“For these children, Disneyland was more than just an amusement park,” said Krystsina Shchelkunova, the Executive Director of Slavics.org. “It was a place where they could experience joy, laughter, and normalcy, which is so important for their healing. This trip showed them that the world cares about them and that there is hope for their future.”
Continuing Support for Ukrainian Children
The Disneyland trip is just one of many efforts by Slavics.org to support Ukrainian children who have been displaced by the ongoing War. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, the organization is focused on offering ongoing support in the form of education, psychological care, and community integration for the children living in San Diego and other parts of the United States.
As the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club continues its commitment to international service, the partnership with Slavics.org has opened the door for future initiatives that will benefit Ukrainian children, helping to ensure they receive the care and attention they need as they rebuild their lives in the U.S.
Conclusion
The trip to Disneyland provided the children with more than just an exciting adventure—it was a powerful reminder of the kindness and compassion that exists in the world. Thanks to the efforts of Slavics.org and the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club, these 20 Ukrainian children were able to experience the magic of childhood once again, despite the difficult circumstances they have faced. The memories they created at Disneyland will not only bring them joy but also serve as a beacon of hope for their future.
In a heartwarming display of generosity and community spirit, Slavics.org, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Ukrainian children affected by the ongoing War, recently organized a special trip for 20 Ukrainian kids now living in San Diego. Sponsored by the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club, the children were given the chance to visit Disneyland—a magical escape that offered them a moment of joy and wonder after the hardships they have endured since fleeing Ukraine.
A Magical Experience for Children in San Diego
These 20 Ukrainian children, ages 5 to 14, are currently living in San Diego after being displaced by the War in Ukraine. Many of them arrived in the U.S. with their families as refugees, seeking safety and stability after months of upheaval. While they have found refuge in a new country, the emotional and psychological toll of the War has been profound. The Disneyland trip, made possible by the support of the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club, was an opportunity for them to experience something positive, providing a much-needed break from their challenges and allowing them to enjoy being kids again.
The children, accompanied by their caregivers and volunteers from Slavics.org, spent whole Thursday at the world-famous theme park, where they were treated to a variety of activities, including meeting beloved Disney characters, enjoying thrilling rides, and watching magical parades. The excitement was palpable as the kids explored the park, some of them visiting Disneyland for the very first time.
A Strong Partnership: Slavics.org and Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club
The success of this special trip was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Slavics.org and the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club. Slavics.org worked tirelessly to coordinate travel, logistics, and accommodations for the children, ensuring that every detail of the trip was taken care of. Meanwhile, the Del Mar/ Solana Beach Rotary Club generously provided the financial sponsorship and logistical support needed to make this dream come true.
“We are proud to support these children and offer them a moment of joy,” said Herb Lieberman , member of the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club. “Given all that they’ve been through, it’s important that we come together as a community to provide positive experiences, and we hope this trip will bring them lasting memories and a sense of hope.”
For the children, it was more than just a trip—it was a chance to experience the magic of Disneyland, to laugh and smile, and to forget, even if just for a short time, the pain and trauma of their past.
A Symbol of Hope and Healing
While the trip to Disneyland was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience for the children, its significance extends beyond the fun and excitement. It serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, reminding the children that despite the challenges they’ve faced, they are not forgotten. The trip is also a testament to the power of community, with Slavics.organd the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club working together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of these young refugees.
“For these children, Disneyland was more than just an amusement park,” said Krystsina Shchelkunova, the Executive Director of Slavics.org. “It was a place where they could experience joy, laughter, and normalcy, which is so important for their healing. This trip showed them that the world cares about them and that there is hope for their future.”
Continuing Support for Ukrainian Children
The Disneyland trip is just one of many efforts by Slavics.org to support Ukrainian children who have been displaced by the ongoing War. In addition to providing recreational opportunities, the organization is focused on offering ongoing support in the form of education, psychological care, and community integration for the children living in San Diego and other parts of the United States.
As the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club continues its commitment to international service, the partnership with Slavics.org has opened the door for future initiatives that will benefit Ukrainian children, helping to ensure they receive the care and attention they need as they rebuild their lives in the U.S.
Conclusion
The trip to Disneyland provided the children with more than just an exciting adventure—it was a powerful reminder of the kindness and compassion that exists in the world. Thanks to the efforts of Slavics.org and the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club, these 20 Ukrainian children were able to experience the magic of childhood once again, despite the difficult circumstances they have faced. The memories they created at Disneyland will not only bring them joy but also serve as a beacon of hope for their future.
