Kiwanis brings 36 Ukrainian children to safety camp in Carinthia

A Kiwanis club has invited 36 children and teenagers from war zones in Ukraine to a summer camp at the Alpine Club camp in Kötschach-Mauthen, ORF reported. Together with their families and accompanying adults, they are spending several days away from the traumatising realities of wartime.

The young Ukrainians have been at the camp since mid-August and all come directly from war zones. A Ukrainian foreign trade office, described as a kind of social welfare office, selects families considered particularly vulnerable, including large families, families whose parents have died and those with adopted children. Medical staff and child educators are accompanying the group.

The local community is helping provide meals, while excursions including climbing and visits to a wildlife park have been organised for the families.

“It is so beautiful to be here. These are wonderful holidays. This week is the best of the year,” Vira Sokol said.

Anna Shamanska, who is also visiting Carinthia, said waking up in a peaceful place without sirens was difficult to imagine. Her young daughter could breathe fresh air, play and run, she said, describing the trip as “the most beautiful gift” they could receive.

Life near the Russian border remains difficult, Sokol said. The family hears missile attacks, gunfire and explosions and cannot feel safe because anyone could become a target of Russian bombs and missiles.

Shamanska said her husband has been held in a Russian prison for three years. He is a pilot who was captured, she said, adding that she was doing everything she could to secure his release because their young daughter had never seen her father.

Organiser Ingo Ortner said the activities in a safe environment could help the families process what they had experienced and regain strength. “You cannot decide the war, but you can help people,” he said.