ABOUT WICTU
One Mission. Evolving With the Needs of Ukraine.
Winter Is Coming To Ukraine (WICTU) is a Lions-led humanitarian initiative created to respond to urgent needs in Ukraine. What began in 2022 as an effort to provide generators to schools has grown into a continuing international mission supporting communities with power, warmth and access to education.
OUR SROTY
How it all began
Frustrated by Russia’s bombing of infrastructure, Lion Björn Hägerstrand from Åland considered what he and the Lions organization could do to alleviate the suffering of the local population. Inspired by a Swedish Lions club and following discussions with Lions members in Ukraine, Björn decided to launch a fundraising campaign across the Nordic region to secure 100 generators before Christmas Eve. He named the initiative "Winter is Coming to Ukraine." Shortly thereafter, news of the project spread to the Lions Europa Forum in Zagreb in late October 2022. The project then took off rapidly as many European countries wanted to join this worthy cause.
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generators
planned
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GENERATORS
DELIVERED
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international
movement began
OUR MISSION
The Need Changes.
The Mission Continues.
WICTU was never built around a single product. It was built around a simple principle: understand what is needed most, then find a practical way to deliver it. As conditions in Ukraine changed, WICTU changed with them.
POWER
Portable generators helped schools and kindergartens continue operating during widespread power outages.
WARMTH
Purpose-built Lions stoves provided families and communities with a reliable way to heat spaces and prepare food.
WARMTH
Purpose-built Lions stoves provided families and communities with a reliable way to heat spaces and prepare food.
CRITICAL POWER
Medium-size generators support essential community infrastructure, including healthcare centres, shelters, rescue services, water systems and schools.
EDUCATION
Purpose-built Lions stoves provided families and communities with a reliable way to heat spaces and prepare food.
ONE MISSION. MANY PEOPLE.
Meet the People Behind WICTU
PDG Björn Hägerstrand
Founder/Project leader
PID Daniel Isenrich
Financial Manager (WICTU 5)
PDG Vanessa Horrod
School Manager (WICTU5)
PID Phil Nathan
Logistic Manager (WICTU 5)
Rich Morris
Marketing Manager (WICTU 5)
ZO Colette Case
Recognitions Manager (WICTU 5)
PCC Heikki Hemmilä
Financial Manager (WICTU 1-3)
Jyri Kurki
LCIF coordinator (WICTU 2-4)
Generator Manager (WICTU 1)
Marco Kleijnendorst
Marketing Manager (WICTU 4)
PDG Petri Lappi
Production Manager (WICTU 2-4)
PDG Alex Orsinsky
Ukraine Advisor (WICTU 4)
PID Marcel Daniëls
USC Representative (WICTU 4)
2VDG Antti Forsell
Marketing Manager (WICTU 3)
PID Robert Rettby
Project Advisor (WICTU 2)
Anamaria Zechiu Ciorogaru
Marketing Manager (WICTU 2)
PDG Valentin Kravchenko
Ukraine Manager (WICTU 1)
ZO Eugenio Di Maria
Press Manager (WICTU 1)
POWERED BY LIONS
Local Action. International Reach.
WICTU is built on the strength of the Lions network. What started with a small group of Lions quickly brought together clubs, districts and coordinators across national borders. This network combines international fundraising and professional expertise with local knowledge inside Ukraine. It allows WICTU to stay practical, responsive and connected to the communities it serves.
WINTER IS COMING TO UKRAINE