Today was another incredible day serving blind Ukrainian refugees in Warsaw! I began my day working in a Polish coffee shop. We made arrangements to purchase a much needed braille printer for a blind journalist who is still working in western Ukraine. We also worked to source needs and plan supply delivery.
In the afternoon, we delivered our first pieces of technology to an amazing blind couple from the Kiev area! Olga and Denys fled Ukraine with their daughter and several pets. They graciously allowed me to interview them about their journey from Ukraine. You can watch their full interview below.
They also spoke about the importance of the technology we provided them and the significant impact it will have on their family. Olga is a lover of languages like me and speaks several. She works teaching languages, much like I dream of doing one day. Denys works as a translator and proof reader, among other things, and the braille display we have provided them will enable him to continue his work successfully.
Because of your generous support, the Laurel Wheeler Foundation was able to provide Olga and Denys with a much needed braille display, laptop and iPhone.
I am proud to call Denys and Olga new friends and can’t wait to see where life takes them.
After providing technology to Olga and Denys, we visited the Laski school for the blind. Located in the Warsaw suburb of Laski, this boarding school for blind children is run by catholic nuns and its mission is to provide an education to the blind. Several Ukrainian mothers have arrived there and are being housed with their blind children. Their stories of escape from Ukraine are incredible, powerful, and will bring tears to your eyes.
One mother, Antonina, allowed us to capture her story and share it with you all. Antonina’s son attended the Kharkiv school for the blind. Her family made it out of one of the worst impacted areas of Kharkiv. Watch Antonina’s interview below.
Our foundation delivered a magnifier and five laptops to the children at the Laski school. There are children in need of more support and resources there, and I hope to continue working to provide for these precious kids.
More updates and adventures to come tomorrow. If you want to make a donation and help support our work serving the blind, please check out my blog from yesterday and read about all the ways that you can do that.
I know that many would say I am blessing these people by providing them the tools and resources they so desperately need, but honestly, I am the one who is blessed. I count it my privilege to serve others in this way.