This summer was filled with meaningful activities, projects, and wonderful friends and volunteers who joined us in making our part of the world a better place.

In the beginning of June, we spent several days in Bihać, Bosnia, sharing moments with our friends from Italy. Together, we painted a large mural in a safe house that serves as a refuge for minors. We painted, coloured, played, and laughed, all in an effort to create a brighter, more cheerful space for and with the kids. We are happy that we were able to bring a little sunshine into their lives—so much so that when it was time to say goodbye, they all came to thank us and ask when we’d be back.

Later that month, we spent four action-packed days with four families from Trento, Italy. This wasn’t their first visit, and it was inspiring to see the kids growing and eager to help others. Throughout the year, they had organized fundraisers to gather essentials for families in the Karlovac-Vojnić area. When they finally delivered the donations, the families welcomed them with open arms. But it was more than just giving—these moments of connection and shared time truly touched everyone involved. We also made time for clown therapy in Dom Turnić, spreading smiles and laughter to all we met.

In July and August, we hosted four week-long camps for young volunteers—and the young at heart! We painted murals at Kindergarten Podmurvice and Veli Brgud, brought joy with clown visits to Dom Nedeščina, Dom Volosko, and Dom sv. Ana, and made trips to visit families in the Vojnić area. During our time together friendships blossomed not just during activities, but also during moments at the beach, during volleyball games, singing sessions, pizza parties, and fun city outings—including flash mobs and handing out free hugs to spread kindness and connection. We received some truly touching feedback from volunteers about their experiences with us, which has been a wonderful encouragement.

A special part of our volunteer camps was a discussion on how to be peacemakers in a world torn by conflict and war. One recurring theme in each of the discussions was the importance of fostering peace in our daily lives and surroundings. If each of us contributes, even in small ways, to a more non-violent way of living, we can help create a world with fewer conflicts and more understanding.

Together, through these moments of service, creativity, and connection, we believe we’re giving our small contribution to creating a more compassionate and peaceful world—one step at a time.