Crafting Hope for Ukraine’s Children: Connie Rose and the Maine Knitters
In the face of adversity, small acts of kindness can ripple into significant effects. One such act has just taken place thanks to the creativity and compassion of Connie Rose, a 91-year-old Maine resident, and knitters around the U.S. Through their hand–knitted cat puppets, Connie and her colleagues are spreading hope and healing to Ukrainian children affected by the trauma of war.
Connie, a passionate supporter of Ukraine and its people, recently knitted a hat for President Zelenskyy as a gesture of admiration and solidarity. While the journey of the hat continues, Connie's heartwarming work didn’t stop there. She partnered with the Maine Knitters to create hand-knit cat puppets, which were sent to Heal Ukraine Trauma (HUT) to be distributed to children in Ukraine.
A special touch was added to each puppet: knitters around the U.S. created personalized cards attached to each one, carrying a unique message for every recipient. Connie’s daughter Barbara Burgess and friend Holly MacEwan helped to organize the initiative, added the personal cards, and coordinated the logistics with HUT.
Amy Goodrich, HUT's Director of Programs, made the journey from the US to Kyiv with the puppets safely packed in her suitcase. The love and care poured into these handmade gifts traveled alongside her, a symbol of global solidarity and support for HUT’s ongoing mission to support Ukraine’s veterans and their families.
Some of the cat puppets found a new home in the knitting club of Kyiv School No. 333, which helps its participants learn patience, imagination, and a love for craftsmanship. Each participant happily chose a kitten, realizing they were holding something truly special, a gift made by hand with warmth and care.
Another group of kittens was warmly welcomed by the students of Class 2-V. For them, it was an exciting discovery to learn that these little knitted friends had traveled such a long way across the ocean to reach their hands. They were amazed by the idea that the toys had been lovingly made by women in America, people who had never met them but who think about Ukraine and care deeply for Ukrainian children.
The young owners hugged their new friends tightly, feeling the invisible thread of connection that stretched across the world.
Simple acts of compassion, like Connie’s, can help heal the wounds of war. In times of crisis, people like Connie show us that every little effort matters, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it the most.
