Working alongside the Rotary Club of West Ottawa and the Rotary Ukraine-Canada Intercountry Committee, the club helped fund a power generator for a school or kindergarten in the Kyiv region and supported Christmas gift packages for vulnerable children.

“These were very intentional choices,” said Susan Friedmann, chair of the International Committee for the Rotary Club of Lake Placid. “A generator keeps classrooms warm, safe, and open when the power goes out. The holiday gifts may seem small, but for children who have lost so much, they offer comfort, dignity and a reminder that they have not been forgotten.”

The humanitarian support is part of a broader Rotary-led effort advocating for the return of Ukrainian children who have been illegally deported. Approximately 19,500 children remain outside Ukraine against their will, with only about 1,800 returned so far due to international pressure and cooperation. Rotarians across Canada have registered a petition in the Canadian House of Commons calling for increased action. Every contribution helps restore stability, comfort, and hope for children affected by war. Rotary partners provide transparent reporting and photo documentation to show the direct impact of donations.