The PEACEMAKERS produces content that highlights individuals who cross lines of conflict and ideology to connect with one another. Through storytelling, we aim to inspire people to look beyond surface-level differences and choose peace, empathy, and humanity. We celebrate the unique cultural and ethnic identities that make us all distinct while highlighting the emotional and human similarities we share domestically and abroad.
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Our Work
Deaf Bridge
Case Study
The President of Deaf Bridge, Chris McKenzie, expressed grave concern about the deaf and hard of hearing in Ukraine. He wanted to organize and get a team of rescue drivers and vehicles to help facilitate the rescue of the 40,000 deaf citizens in Ukraine and 400,000 hard of hearing and disabled persons that were being left behind. It is typical for those communities to be “forgotten” during a humanitarian crisis.
Chris, being deaf himself, was putting himself in a very dangerous predicament. He, along with his entire team of drivers, could not hear incoming missiles, bullets flying, tanks moving, artillery rounds impacting, jets flying, or warning announcements through sirens.
Deaf Bridge rescued hundreds of families and continued to provide medical supplies, food, and clothing to those who stayed behind. Deaf Bridge rescued hundreds of families and continued to provide medical supplies, food, and clothing to those who stayed behind.
The above video was made possible in large part due to the footage collected by Chris’ team of drivers while they were on the ground in Ukraine. All of his drivers were either deaf or hard of hearing.
Peacemaker Coalition worked in an advisory role for Deaf Bridge to support their team's operations. This video was made to honor their efforts. We encourage anyone inspired to please reach out to Deaf Bridge.