Orphan Act - Russia - Projects: Completed - Project 144

Ludmila Lubvina, President of the Rotary Club of Irkutsk, seeks $980 to buy sporting goods for Shelter #2 in Irkutsk, The Center for Assisting Children and Teens Left Without Guardianship.

Ten pairs of skates purchased do far. The shelter got permission to use the nearby skating rink free for two hours twice a week!!!

Twice a week Shelter sports instructor Dmitry Korobov takes 6-8 kids to the skating rink, they learned not only staying on ice but putting on the skate shoes.

Brother and sister- Seryozha and Anya were the first ones to receive a pair of skates (as a reward)

The shelter houses up to 35 kids, ages 3 to 16 who find themselves homeless for a number of reasons: they lost their family, ran away, parents died or just abandoned. They stay in the shelter for twelve to eighteen months. While here they go through social, medical and psychological rehabilitation to adapt them to "normal" life.

Nelly Zueva and Pavel Savvateev with children of Shelter #2 More children on Victory Day, May 9.

The staff of thirteen consists of very dedicated people and include a psychologist, social worker, speech therapist, educators and caretakers. The kids are not allowed to leave the shelter area but want to spend as much time outdoors as possible. The grounds are suitable for volleyball and ping pong, Younger children may fly kites, jump rope and other activities.

Rotarian Pavel Savvateev heads a committee of three from the Irkutsk club on this project.

Birthdays are celebrated every three months. Shelter #2 Director, Irina Bogdanova