The power of partnerships for meaningful change

 

By Lindsey Quarrie

 

In my work as Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships at Save the Children, I am reminded over and over of the power of partnerships for meaningful change.

Last week I attended a celebration of a special initiative at the Consulate General of Canada in New York, in partnership with Simon & Schuster Canada to distribute 10,000 copies of the Ukrainian edition of Jacques J.M. Shore, C.M., and Dr. Lena Allen-Shore’s book, Sleep, My Baby, to Ukrainian families.

Sleep, My Baby is a beautifully illustrated children’s book, based on a lullaby offering a sense of hope, peace, and love, gently lulling children to sleep knowing they are safe from harm. As a mother, I know this is a deeply held desire for parents everywhere.

In Ukraine though, thousands of children and parents have been displaced by the war. So many have lost their homes and sense of safety.

Working at Save the Children, I’m fortunate to be part of the work we’re doing to respond in crises like these. In, Ukraine, Save the Children has been there from the start, responding to the most urgent needs—something we’ve been doing around the world since 1919.

Like us, Jacques Shore and the people at Simon & Schuster Canada wanted to offer some comfort to Ukrainian families and their young children.

So, from our shared values, we brought to the table our areas of expertise and strength—for Jacques and Simon & Schuster Canada, that’s publishing and the power of words, for Save the Children, it’s emergency response and child rights—to collaborate on this initiative.

I am inspired by the passion and deep commitment of Simon & Schuster Canada, bringing focus and attention to the crisis in Ukraine and the impact on mothers and children.

At the celebration, the UN Ambassador for Ukraine highlighted the importance of books for children in their own language to foster connection to their land and culture—something that is important now and when the war is finished and they can rebuild.

 

On the left is Jacques Shore and on the rig... by Jessica BryantJessica Bryant 1:54 p.m. On the left is Jacques Shore and on the right is Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations
Jacques Shore (left) and Sergiy Kyslytsya, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations (right) discussing the launch of the Sleep, My Baby children’s book, at the event.

 

It’s our hope that these books, this story, will have a meaningful impact, bringing comfort to thousands of children and families affected by the crisis in Ukraine.

These are the moments I’m most proud of. Through the power of partnerships, we can bring our time, talent and treasure to the table to shine a spotlight on the issues that we both care about deeply, and make a difference.

Read more about the international impact of Save the Children Canada and the work we do to improve the lives of children.