Coleen Rooney shares her emotional experience visiting Ukrainian refugee families supported by Unicef.
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Coleen Rooney has described Unicef’s support for Ukrainian families as a vital “lifeline” that is truly “changing lives.” Recently, she traveled to Poland, witnessing firsthand how donations from Soccer Aid are making a significant difference for those forced to flee their homes due to the ongoing conflict.
The urgency of her observations resonates deeply, as she reflects on the harrowing experiences of these families.
Direct impact on families in crisis
While in Krakow, Rooney visited the **Spilno Hub**, a center dedicated to assisting families in finding shelter and accessing essential services like psychosocial support and legal aid.
This facility stands as a beacon of hope amidst despair. She met Yuliia Karpenko, her sister Olisia, and Yuliia’s four-year-old daughter, Anastasiia, who escaped Ukraine with only one bag on an evacuation train. The emotional weight of their story left a lasting impression on Rooney, who stated, “Hearing about the lasting effect the war in Ukraine has had on Yuliia and her family will stay with me for a long time.”
A community built on support
Yuliia’s determination to create a safe environment for her family in Poland shone brightly during their meeting. Thanks to Unicef’s efforts, she has connected with other mothers, learned Polish, and found work. Meanwhile, little Nastia has started to form friendships, engaging in play just like any child her age should. Rooney’s words reflect the profound impact these initiatives have: “It was a privilege meeting Yuliia and her family and to see how money raised by Soccer Aid for Unicef really is changing lives.”
Education and rehabilitation
Rooney’s journey also took her to the **Education Rehabilitation Centre**, a specialized institution funded by Unicef aimed at supporting young people with disabilities. Here, she encountered Murat, a young autistic boy who, upon arriving in Poland, struggled to communicate. Now, he is beginning to speak, a testament to the center’s nurturing environment. Rooney recounted, “It’s such a calming place, and the teachers there are so supportive and caring.” This transformation in Murat’s ability to express himself represents a glimmer of hope for many families in similar situations.
The emotional toll of displacement
Kateryna, Murat’s mother, expressed her feelings of despair upon arriving in Poland, emphasizing how Unicef has helped her envision a future for her family. Rooney reflected on her personal connection to these stories, sharing, “As a mum myself, I couldn’t help but think of my own boys when I met children like Nastia and Murat. Seeing them smile and play despite everything they’ve been through was incredibly moving.”
Doubling the impact of donations
In a significant development, donations made to Soccer Aid for Unicef will be matched up to £5 million this year, thanks to the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation. This initiative amplifies the already critical support provided to families affected by the war. Rooney passionately reiterated the importance of solidarity, saying, “Hearing their stories really reminded me how important it is that we stand with families who’ve been through so much; every child deserves a safe space to play – as a parent, this is all you want for your child.”
The emotional gravity of Rooney’s visit underscores the ongoing crisis faced by many Ukrainian families. Her firsthand accounts and the inspiring stories of resilience from those she met paint a vivid picture of both the struggle and hope that exists within these communities. The partnership between Unicef and Soccer Aid serves as a critical lifeline, and as the situation evolves, the need for continued support remains paramount.
