‘A Symbol of Warmth’

Ukraine’s first Coats for Kids event exemplifies the Order’s unity, solidarity and relevance in the war-torn country

By Solomiia Karpiv

12/12/2023

Ukrainian Knights gave dozens of new coats to the children of fallen soldiers during the inaugural Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids event in Ukraine, held Nov. 19, the World Day of the Poor.

Eighteen families who lost husbands, fathers and breadwinners to the war with Russia gathered at the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lviv to pray with members of St. John Bosco Parish Council 16846 and receive a warm winter jacket.

At the same time, the children were given a spiritual mantle: Each coat was accompanied by a card symbolizing the prayers of Knights, their family members and others. Attendees of the Polish premiere of Mother Teresa: No Greater Love in October, as well as parishioners in Lviv, signed the cards, committing to pray for the child who received it.

The Knights of Columbus has donated more than 1 million coats through the Coats for Kids program since it began in 2009, but this was the very first coat distribution in Ukraine. Knights in Canada raised money for the Lviv event, and the coats were purchased and shipped by Knights in Poland. More Coats for Kids distributions are planned in Ukraine in the coming weeks.

“Coats are not only something practical and necessary because winter is coming, but also a symbol of the warmth with which we want to wrap all children missing their dads,” explained Ukraine State Deputy Youriy Maletskiy.

Winter was especially difficult for Ukrainian civilians last year. The energy infrastructure was damaged by missile attacks, and the lack of light and heat was strongly felt throughout the country.

“We understand that this winter will be cold and scary like the last one, so our family is very grateful for this coat to all the volunteers and those who are involved in this,” said Solomiya Marchenko, who received a coat Nov. 19.

“A very good event took place today,” agreed Solomiya’s mother, Olesya. “I recently learned about this Order, and I am impressed by their work and support. I now have confidence that we will not be left alone.”

The approximately 2,000 Knights in Ukraine have been active in assisting the most vulnerable since the beginning of the war, fulfilling Blessed Michael McGivney’s mission to serve widows, orphans and others in need.

In addition to organizing the Coat for Kids event, the Knights of St. John Bosco Parish Council 16846 assist with K of C Charity Convoy care packages and pray often for families affected by war. Every council meeting begins with a rosary for peace in Ukraine and for all those who have died.

The prayers of solidarity go both ways, said Ivanna, who came to the Coats for Kids distribution with her eight children.

“When we pray the rosary at home with the children every evening,” she said, “we constantly remember not only our defenders but also the Knights of Columbus.”

For more information about the Knights in Ukraine, visit kofc.org/ukraine. To help provide coats for children in need, visit kofc.org/coatsforkids.

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