Throughout the war in Ukraine, thousands of refugees have fled from Ukraine to Iceland. “They are almost completely without belongings,” said Past Council Chairperson (PCC) Laufey Jóhannsdóttir. “They have just the clothes and shoes they are wearing when they arrive at Keflavík Airport.” With a strong desire to help the Ukrainian refugees, the Lions Club Eik Gardabaer in Iceland developed a plan and applied for a District and Club Community Impact Grant (DCG) from Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF).
The club used the DCG funds to hold art therapy workshops for children arriving from Ukraine who were suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome. “Most of the children have traveled for days or weeks in challenging conditions, having to leave everything behind as a result of the war,” said PCC Jóhannsdóttir.
The project’s primary purpose is to help the children cope with the distress and trauma of having to flee their homeland.
Forty children ages 8 to12 attended the six-week workshop. The US$8,450 DCG helped provide two art therapists to lead the art workshops, art supplies, educational equipment including iPads for the children and a field trip to an Icelandic farm. “It is one of the most pleasant and heartfelt service projects I have done in my 40 years of being a Lion in Lions Club Eik Gardabaer,” said PCC Jóhannsdóttir.
Innovative DCGs, like this one, support humanitarian activities and expand Lions’ compassionate efforts.
In times of adversity, Lions around the world are answering the call to service and strengthening their communities with the assistance of DCGs.
A grant is within reach
Learn more about District and Club Community Impact Grants (DCGs) and how these funds can support your service projects.
Take advantage of this special grant opportunity. Watch our animated video highlighting the five easy steps toward a DCG.
Maureen O’Brochta is a copywriter for Lions Clubs International Foundation.
