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So here we were after months of work and squares and kits and photos. Here they were.

So today 45 children received their blankets. These are all children who’ve come from Korosten, Kiyv for this respite Christmas break, and are aged 10 to almost 17. We have pics of most of them with their blankets, some were a bit reluctant. Fair enough.

The children were doing various crafts (including our pompoms) and they were brought through in small groups with their teachers. We’d laid out around 50 so the children could choose their own blanket.

The choosing by the children is absolutely fascinating. Different colours/styles/textures speak to different children. And they KNOW which is theirs. Some children take a very long time to carefully study and feel the blankets. Others are super quick and know instantly. What is it within us that makes different things appeal? One thing you can guarantee is that within moments they are wrapping themselves up in their Woolly Hug!

They’ve put their blankets on their beds for later. Honestly what a privilege to do this from all of us. It means the world to them. Thank you so much again.

Thank you so much everyone. More to come tomorrow!

Taking a woolly activity for the children to do seemed the most obvious thing. It’s such a success at Camp Bestival for all ages so last night was our first pompom making workshop and it continued this morning.

Spreading the woolly love.

A massive success! The children, boys and girls, the whole age range adored this activity. Many MANY repeat makers, it was really engaging. It’s a fantastically mindful activity which for these kids is perfect. So now they all know how to do it, they can have a good experiment with size and colour. We’ve also brought boggly eyes and colourful pipe cleaners. What’s not to love?!

We’d already decided we’d send each child home with a crafting kit. So they get this starter pack and are going to choose a couple of balls of yarn to go with it. There are scissors too. We predict a craze! A huge thank you everyone who donates funds which makes this happen. These children really have very little at home. And they are thrilled to be able to carry on at home and teach their families.

These are their starter kits!

After breakfast and a few games, the Ukrainian children were taken to soft play.

Wonderful to see the freedom, excitement and joy! Such a brilliant morning but utterly sobering when one little lad was talking and broke down in tears because his uncle had been recently killed in the war. Devastating. One of the adults travelling with the group is a child psychologist. You can see why they need her. War is always there for these children. Even with these respite breaks. But they live in the moment and this morning that included Lots of laughing. 

Then off to Caritas for lunch. Caritas is an international catholic charity who work to give relief and aid to those who need. And here in Lublin they support many Ukrainian refugee families. Today they welcomed all with a wonderful hot meal. Delicious soup, chicken and rice. Gorgeous. Saw a few of the younger children had their heads down having a little snooze. It’s such a lot for them. In a good way. 

It was time for the Great Rafaelo! 

The Great Rafaelo certainly earns his money,  engaging an audience from babies to adults. Lots of the classic audience participation, also slap stick humour. Much laughter from the children which is such a joy to hear. In addition to the Ukrainian visitors, many Ukrainian refugee families came too, many children with additional needs. It was honestly goose bump time watching these children engaging with St Nicholas and receiving a little gift of sweets. All emotional. Even the teenagers. We are all kids at Christmas. 

Back to the Hotel Regionalny, Pelczyn where the children are staying for dinner and activities. And tonight these children get their blankets. That deserves a separate post! 

Our journey here was very easy and quick by comparison to the Ukrainian children and their teachers’ experience. Curfews affect travel in Ukraine, the group left at 4.30am, had to go through security checks and immigration leaving Ukraine AND the same again entering Poland. But finally they are here and so are we.

The children are staying again at the family run Hotel Regionalny. It’s fabulous here and they are so kind. The hotel is located in the town Pełczyn just off the route Lublin – Chelm. It’s about 50 miles from the Ukrainian border. No snow on the ground this year, but it’s bitterly cold with snow flurries.

And it was wonderful to be reunited with our blanket collection. All here. All accounted for! You are all with us. We can’t wait to give them out now.

And the cat is still here!! You remember it photo bombing one of our films last year.

We have all just had dinner and now it’s time for games and craft. It’s fantastic seeing these children safe and warm and enjoying activities. Lots of chatting and laughing. Can’t get much better.

See you in the morning! Busy day tomorrow. And part of it involves our blankets!