On a sunny day filled with excitement and joy, a group of Ukrainian refugee children had the unforgettable opportunity to visit LEGOLAND California, thanks to a generous collaboration between the Slavic Refugee and Immigrant Services Organization (SRISO) and the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club.
This special field trip was not just a day of fun—it was a day of healing, belonging, and hope for children who have experienced the trauma of war and displacement. Many of the participants recently arrived in San Diego with their families, escaping the ongoing War in Ukraine. For them, this was their first time visiting a theme park, and for many, the first day in a long time when they could simply be kids again.
LEGOLAND was transformed into a playground of imagination and laughter as the children explored rides, met LEGO characters, and built creations with their peers. Volunteers from both SRISO and the Rotary Club accompanied the group, ensuring a safe and joyful experience for everyone.
“This day meant more than just an amusement park visit,” said one SRISO staff member. “It was a moment of relief for families under stress, a chance for these young ones to laugh, play, and feel seen.”
The field trip is part of SRISO’s broader mission to provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed services and community-building experiences to Ukrainian and Slavic refugees in San Diego. Partnerships like the one with Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club are critical to creating these impactful experiences.
We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club for their continued support and generosity, and to all our volunteers who helped make this event so memorable. Together, we’re helping Ukrainian families find connection, joy, and stability in their new home.
On a sunny day filled with excitement and joy, a group of Ukrainian refugee children had the unforgettable opportunity to visit LEGOLAND California, thanks to a generous collaboration between the Slavic Refugee and Immigrant Services Organization (SRISO) and the Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club.
This special field trip was not just a day of fun—it was a day of healing, belonging, and hope for children who have experienced the trauma of war and displacement. Many of the participants recently arrived in San Diego with their families, escaping the ongoing War in Ukraine. For them, this was their first time visiting a theme park, and for many, the first day in a long time when they could simply be kids again.
LEGOLAND was transformed into a playground of imagination and laughter as the children explored rides, met LEGO characters, and built creations with their peers. Volunteers from both SRISO and the Rotary Club accompanied the group, ensuring a safe and joyful experience for everyone.
“This day meant more than just an amusement park visit,” said one SRISO staff member. “It was a moment of relief for families under stress, a chance for these young ones to laugh, play, and feel seen.”
The field trip is part of SRISO’s broader mission to provide culturally sensitive, trauma-informed services and community-building experiences to Ukrainian and Slavic refugees in San Diego. Partnerships like the one with Del Mar/Solana Beach Rotary Club are critical to creating these impactful experiences.
We are deeply grateful to the Rotary Club for their continued support and generosity, and to all our volunteers who helped make this event so memorable. Together, we’re helping Ukrainian families find connection, joy, and stability in their new home.
