Vi and Jenny traveled to Warsaw Poland to volunteer with the Operations Safe Harbor-Ukraine program. They were stationed at the Hotel Felix where there were 160 women and children refugees from Ukraine housed.
To view the photos that they shared during their presentation and on Facebook during their trip,
click here.
They thanked Lincoln South Rotary Club for the money and in-kind donations for them to take with them. From their family and friends and Lincoln South Rotary Club Members they had a couple of suitcases full of books, throat lozenges, baby dolls, hot wheels cars, colors and coloring books, cards with friendship bracelets, nail polish, nail clippers and other items.
There was a very favorable exchange rate for the money so they were able to buy additional items. There was a heat wave while they were there so they were grateful to have the money to purchase shorts, tank tops and sundresses since the refugees fled with mostly cold-weather clothing.
One of the first things Vi and Jenny recognized was a need to have better coordination of the volunteers - to know who was there when. With their experience it was natural for them to get comfortable and make sure others were as well. They also made sure to know all volunteers and their schedules.
One of the tragedies of this war is that Russia is not targeting the military - they are targeting the citizens. They are demolishing their homes, schools and churches.
An estimated 12 million Ukrainians have been displaced. Of those, 7 million are still in Ukraine - just not in their homes. The other 5 million have left the country. Those are primarily women and children as men between 18 and 60 are required to work for the military (with a few exceptions).
The primary destination for those displaced citizens is Poland. 3.2 million Ukrainians have either passed through, or are currently staying in, Poland. It is estimated that 80,000 have gone to Romania and another 80,000 to Moldova.
It appears that 1.2 million Ukrainians will now make Poland their home - many of those in Warsaw. The population of Warsaw was 1.8 million. In July, 250,000 refugees from Ukraine had already settle into Warsaw.
When Poland said they would welcome the refugees they promised that they would have shelter - they would not be left to stay in the streets. There were several centers set up which provided a "space" with cots. They were not private and they had to use public restrooms. There were also hostels for some. And, some families welcomed Ukrainians into their homes. The Hotel Felix allowed 50 rooms to be used for refugees. Originally it was established that they would be there for 2 weeks until they could find another place to stay. But recent changes in government programs may allow them to stay longer which has provide a lot of relief over concerns of relocation.
While visiting the Warsaw Wilanow Club - an English speaking International Rotary Club - it was emphasized that the people of Poland hoped that the world would be able to understand the economic strain this has placed on Poland. The government and citizens of Poland are happy to help - their sacrifice is monumental.
The basic mission of Operation Safe Harbor-Ukraine was to:
Provide Hotel Rooms
Provide 3 meals a day
Provide limited health care (over the counter)
Vi and Jenny were in charge of the supply room. There were set hours when it was open - otherwise it was locked. And there was one key that Vi and Jenny held. The supply room held the health care items, donated clothing and toys and there was also a refrigerator/freezer that the refugees shared. When the supply room was open there were often as many as 20 people in there - selecting items from the donations, getting health care items or kids playing with the toys. Requests to enter the supply room went into the evening - they would often get a knock at the door because someone need an aspirin or wanted to get something from the refrigerator.
Though the hotel was nice, the refugees were not regular guests. They had breakfast available as with any other hotel guest. But, since the hotel had other guests and community members there for lunch and dinner, the Operation Safe Harbor-Ukraine program set up lunch at 3:00 PM and dinner at 8:00 PM. Those were times after other guests were served. With those odd times, one of the volunteer responsibilities was to provide snacks to help stave off hunger.
They shared many stories that tugged at our hearts.
One story was of a new arrival to the hotel. It was obvious that the trip to Warsaw was difficult and there may have been little food. When Vi and Jenny offered the snacks, the mother asked "are these for the mothers too"?
Another story is of a mother, daughter and son who were very stressed, thin, and withdrawn. They saw them warm up a little each day and by the time Vi and Jenny left they had really come out of their shell. Here is a picture of the thank you message from the daughter:
To view all of the photos that they shared during their presentation and on Facebook during their trip,
click here.
BIOS
Vi See
Vi See grew up on a cattle ranch in north central Nebraska. Following graduation from Rock County High School, she attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln attaining a B.S. (health education) and an M.B.A. Vi retired on October 30, 2021 as the CEO of Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties. Community Action empowers people living in poverty to reach economic stability. During her 40-year career in human services, Vi also worked as the Executive Director of Girl Scouts – Homestead Council, Director of Volunteers and Assistant Administrator with Tabitha Health Care Services, and Assistant Director of the United Way Volunteer Center.
Community and professional involvement include service on the boards of CASA of Lancaster County, United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County, Association of Fundraising Professionals Nebraska Chapter, and Greater Lincoln Workforce Development. Vi is a member of Lincoln South Rotary, Leadership Lincoln Alum, and Leadership Circle University of NE Alumni Association. She (and Ken) currently volunteer at the Gathering Place serving evening meals and with Meals on Wheels delivering nutritious lunches to those who are homebound.
In 2006, Vi achieved certification as a fundraising professional and continues to hold that certification. Recently Vi was named to the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Nebraska Chapter, Hall of Fame, and presented a Lifetime Service Award by the Lincoln Homeless Coalition, a Mayor’s Service Award by Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird, and the Community Action at Work Award by Community Action.
Vi and her partner Ken enjoy travel. This summer they enjoyed Yellowstone National Park the week before the massive flooding and last traveled internationally to Italy, spending Christmas in Rome then flying home one week before COVID restrictions were introduced.
Jenny Cardwell
Ms. Cardwell has been involved in the nonprofit arena her entire career. She was Director of Volunteers at Tabitha and worked with the Hospice Program as Bereavement Coordinator where she had the opportunity to co-lead grief groups.
She worked for Girl Scouts – Homestead Council as Director of Fund Development and Public Relations for 10 years and then another seven years as Fund Development Director and Vice President of Fund Development for Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska (after the five Nebraska Councils merged into one).
She finished her career at HopeSpoke where she was Director of Development for more than five years. She currently helps HopeSpoke with grants and other projects on an as needed basis.
Ms. Cardwell’s volunteer work has been through Lincoln South Rotary Club, Northeast United Church of Christ and the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Currently she is the Stewardship Coordinator for Northeast United Church of Christ and helps with the monthly Community Breakfast. She and her daughter and grandchildren make sure that the Little Free Pantry is filled almost daily. She is arranging for programs in November for Lincoln South Rotary Club.
Ms. Cardwell is married to fellow Lincoln South Rotarian, Tom Cardwell. They have three children, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren. She loves to read, travel, and spend time with her family. Before going to volunteer in Poland she and Tom took five of their grandchildren to the Rotary International Convention in Houston which was an amazing experience for all!
