Katheryn Winnick, the Canadian actress who played the fierce shield-maiden Lagertha on the hit historical drama series “Vikings,” is using her fame for a good cause. The 43-year-old actress recently visited war-torn Ukraine and launched her charitable organization, The Winnick Foundation, to help underserved women and children in need.
Winnick was in Ukraine to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and to visit areas that have been affected by Russian attacks. As a proud Ukrainian, she expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to give back to her country.
“This week in Ukraine has changed my life,” Winnick said at the start of her visit. “As a proud Ukrainian, I am honored to be a guest of President Zelenskyy and our partners at UNITED24.”
During her trip, Winnick shared photos on Instagram of the destruction she witnessed in the city of Irpin. “I was overwhelmed by the destruction in Irpin, Ukraine while visiting the area with United24,” she wrote. “Seeing it with my own eyes made me realize how many families are suffering. All lives matter.”
Winnick’s Foundation aims to help women and children who are most in need, providing resources such as education, healthcare, and support for victims of domestic violence. In a statement, she expressed her commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those who are struggling.
“I have always believed in the power of community and the importance of supporting underserved women and children,” Winnick said. “Through The Winnick Foundation, I hope to make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.”
Winnick is not the only celebrity to use their platform to raise awareness of the conflict in Ukraine. In recent years, actors like George Clooney and Steven Seagal have spoken out about the crisis, while musicians such as Cher and Elton John have staged benefit concerts to support the people of Ukraine.
But Winnick’s visit and the launch of her foundation represent a personal commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by the conflict. Her actions demonstrate that even in the midst of tragedy and turmoil, there is hope for a better future.
