Kent School Students Raise Funds for Ukrainian Refugees

Thursday, March 24, the Kent School Student Government Association hosted a fundraiser in support of Kids for Peace. The Kids for Peace effort, “Love for Ukraine” sends funds directly to Ukrainian mothers seeking refuge in Poland. Kent School was made aware of the global community service project through their relationship with Harvard University’s Department of Education program, Making Caring Common.

The student leadership group at Kent School offered a Dress Down Day for any student or employee who donated two dollars. They estimated that they could generate a donation of approximately $300 toward the $5,000 goal for “Love for Ukraine.” To the students’ surprise and delight, several families contributed more. From the proceeds of the Dress Down Day and a previous SGA Fundraiser, the total amount that Kent School was able to contribute was $1,100.

From the Kids for Peace website, “According to the United Nations, out of the 3.6 million people who have fled Ukraine since the beginning of the war, more than 2.5 million have made their way to Poland. Our Kids for Peace Program Director, Asia Moore, is from Poland. Her brother, Maciek Żak, lives in Poland and has joined the enormous Polish grassroots movement to offer free transport and accommodation to the refugees. Kids for Peace, in partnership with local Polish volunteers, launched a fundraising campaign to hand-deliver cash donations to Ukrainian mothers and their children to help them meet their most fundamental needs.Thanks to our generous supporters, we reached our initial goal and were able to raise funds to support 280 Ukrainian refugees who found shelter in the town of Kozy, Poland.”

Head of School at Kent School, Nancy Mugele, said, “I am so proud of the compassion shown by our students, employees and families. The fact that the funds raised were going directly into the hands of Ukrainian mothers in need, really made an impact and inspired people to go above and beyond what was expected.” Jill McManigal, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Kids for Peace,

said in an email response to the contribution, “That is AMAZING!! Thank you so very much. Your students’ generosity will go far in bringing comfort to the Ukrainian refugees in these very challenging times. Please pass our heartfelt gratitude on to your Kent School family.” Eighth Grade student and Student Government Association President, Haley Cole, said, “It felt great to do something that could make a positive impact so quickly. I hope the money we contributed will make life just a little easier for some refugees. I hope they are all able to safely return home soon.”

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Kent School, located on the bank of the Chester River in historic Chestertown, is an independent school serving boys and girls in Preschool through Grade Eight. Kent School’s mission is to guide our students in realizing their potential for academic, artistic, athletic, and moral excellence while fostering the growth of honorable, responsible citizens for our country and our diverse world. For more information visit www.kentschool.org or email info@kentschool.org.