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Dear Friend,
Alisa* is an 8-year-old girl in Ukraine whose drawing illustrates Project HOPE's holiday card featured above. The polar bear is wrapped in a bright scarf and gliding through a winter wonderland — a symbol of strength and resilience in the face of cold challenges. The bear's gentle smile represents warmth — a feeling of being safe and protected. In moments of crisis, a little bit of warmth goes a long way.
For Alisa, crisis came when Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine forced her to leave behind everything she knew and flee her home in Kyiv. Her life changed in ways no child should ever have to experience. But Alisa's story is one of HOPE...
Months later, Alisa and her family were finally able to return home. It was there, at a Project HOPE mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) center, that Alisa found a safe space where she was able to rediscover joy through art and play, express her feelings, and find peace of mind. Alisa is a reminder to us all of the strength children hold in the face of unimaginable challenges.
Before we enter the new year, I wanted to share this holiday card and Alisa's story to show how grateful I am for your compassion and support. You help bring urgent relief with lasting impact to children and families facing health and humanitarian crises. You, Alisa, and everyone around the world deserve comfort, warmth, safety, and HOPE. This holiday season and every season.
May peace and HOPE carry you and your loved ones into 2025,
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