German TV Lottery Boosts Hopes and Aids in Recovery for Ukrainian Children: A Renewal Endeavor
Ukraine-Displaced Children to Experience Peace in Schleswig-Holstein
The German Television Lottery is offering a respite to 260 children from war-torn regions in Ukraine this summer, providing them a safe haven in the peaceful landscape of Schleswig-Holstein. Over a thirteen-week period, from June 21 to August 24, 2025, 20 children between the ages of 9 and 13 will be accommodated each week in youth hostels in Westensee, Borgwedel, and Husum. Many of the children are from Kiel's partner city, Cherson, which has been severely impacted by the conflict.
Kiel and Hamburg, May 28, 2025 - The German Television Lottery aims to bring hope and relaxation to the children of Ukraine, offering them a well-deserved break amidst the chaos of war. This summer initiative will see 260 children from the ravaged regions of Ukraine spend their holidays in Schleswig-Holstein.
Accommodation, catering, travel costs within Ukraine, travel to Schleswig-Holstein, and the organization of events and activities are all covered under the lottery's financing. The children can also look forward to a visit to the Kieler Woche on June 25, 2025, which is expected to bring smiles and create lasting memories.
The idea for this action was conceived during the Kieler Woche 2024, when discussions about the children's trips of the social lottery took place during the regatta dinner. The tradition of these trips dates back to post-war times when "raisin bombers" transported children from destroyed Berlin to safe and tranquil places. Since then, these trips have provided relaxation, fun, and an opportunity for skill development for over 1,000 to 1,500 children annually.
By targeting children affected by the war in Ukraine, the German Television Lottery looks to bridge its origins with the historical children's trips. The lottery will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2026 and continues to stay dedicated to its mission: offering children in challenging circumstances hope, support, and new perspectives.
Since 1956, the German Television Lottery has raised over two billion euros for charitable causes, supporting more than 10,000 social projects. The German Aid Foundation, which ensures the diversity of the funding, distributes the funds to social projects throughout Germany, ensuring that no one is left behind.
Journalists wishing to document the children's trips can contact the press office of the German Television Lottery, who will provide information on accreditation, planned program points, and the exact course of the trip. The media accompaniment of this initiative is welcome.
For more information or interviews, contact Jan Spekker, Head of Corporate Communications at the German Television Lottery gGmbH / German Aid Association for the Disabled SdbR, at +49 (0)40 41 41 04 38 or [email protected].
- With the German Television Lottery's summer initiative, these displaced children will not only experience peace in Schleswig-Holstein, but also engage in outdoor-living activities, as they are accommodated in youth hostels located in Westensee, Borgwedel, and Husum.
- The program includes adventure-travel opportunities, such as a visit to the Kieler Woche on June 25, 2025, which is expected to bring smiles and create lasting memories.
- The German Television Lottery's project aligns with the children's need for personal growth and education-and-self-development, as it provides a respite from their war-torn reality and offers them a chance to learn and grow in a safe and tranquil environment.
- This initiative supports the budget-travel aspect for these Ukrainian children, as all their accommodation, catering, travel costs within Ukraine, travel to Schleswig-Holstein, and the organization of events and activities are covered by the lottery's financing.
