Second Chance is a documentary that focuses on Ukrainian orphaned children and the Canadian volunteers who spend their summers working along side them. It follows the narrative of first time Canadian volunteer and Film Director, Adriana Luhovy, as she learns more about the children and becomes witness to their strength and resilience.
The summer camp organized by Toronto charity Help Us Help The Children (HUHTC) welcomes over 500 children, some with disabilities, to the Carpathian Mountains. The camp’s theme and daily activities are focused on Ukrainian cultural traditions celebrated throughout the year: Easter, Christmas, Ivana Kupala etc.
The children, at first seemingly quiet and reserved, slowly begin to trust one another, and open up to their Canadian counselors, forming a strong life-long bond. The counselors guide them, offering education, love and support, letting the children realize the power of their own resilience. For both counselors and children, this experience is life changing. Each day is busy with new activities: long hikes in the mountains, self-defense, sewing and computer workshops, psychological aid, large-scale concerts, break dancers, and many more.
The children experience the most memorable moments of their lives.
Preventative measures are also in place, in order to counter the heartbreaking statistics of orphaned children in Ukraine: currently 60% of orphaned girls end up being trafficked within the first year of leaving their orphanage, 50% of boys end up in jail, 10% commit suicide.
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