I’m going to stop talking about the Middle East for a second. We need to focus on Ukraine and, more specifically, how to help the staggering number of refugees. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, over 1.5 million people have fled Ukraine. And the numbers continue to grow as individuals and families surge towards the country’s borders fleeing the conflict. I urge you to support refugees in any way you can. Other outlets have published ways to help, including ABC News, FOX News, PBS, the Washington Post, and more. This post amplifies their voices and calls for your help.
Please take a minute to look below at some of the groups assisting refugees inside Ukraine and next door in Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia and Romania. Then donate if you can. Every dollar helps, every voice helps, every effort helps.
International Committee of the Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is providing emergency assistance to Ukrainians in a number of ways. According to their website, they are handing out food and water, while also providing medical equipment to hospitals and healthcare facilities. They are repairing damaged homes and water stations, and reconnecting families that have become separated. The Ukrainian Red Cross in particular is helping evacuate some cities and settlements, and delivering food and supplies to people in shelters.
To support the ICRC’s work in and around Ukraine, donate here.
International Rescue Committee
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is working alone and with partners to support refugees fleeing Ukraine. As they state on their website, they are “on the ground in Poland, and working with local partners in both Poland and Ukraine.” Together, they are providing essentials like blankets and sleeping bags to refugees crossing the border, and also helping to procure medical supplies.
To support the IRC’s work with refugees, donate here.
People in Need
The Czech aid organization People in Need (PIN) reacted quickly to the Ukraine refugee crisis. According to their website, they are delivering water, food, diapers and other hygiene items, while also connecting people to experienced psychologists. At Polish border crossings, where people wait for days in the long line of cars, PIN is “building toilets [and] heated tents, and providing food for children.” Their office in Lviv is focusing on western Ukraine, but they also provide financial support to local partners in the east.
To support the work of PIN is doing across Ukraine, donate here.
Save the Children
The aid organization Save the Children is on the ground in Romania, working closely with migrants and asylum seekers at different centers along the border. As they explain on their website, they are also at four refugee camps, preparing to “distribute essential items and set up spaces where children have a safe place to play, learn, and cope with grief and loss.”
To support the work that Save the Children is doing for refugees fleeing Ukraine, donate here.
World Central Kitchen
DC-based chef Jose Andres founded the non-profit World Central Kitchen (WCK) in 2010 after the earthquake in Haiti. When the refugee crisis began in Ukraine, WCK responded quickly. They are now working at eight different border crossings and in Ukrainian cities like Lviv, Odessa, and Kyiv. As their website describes, they are “serving thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home as well as those who remain in the country.” Their staff are in Romania, Moldova, and Hungary as well.
To support WCK’s work inside and outside Ukraine, donate here.
What Next?
Look at the websites of the different organizations above. If you like, you can check their description and rating on Charity Navigator too. Then please donate! Choose the group or groups that resonate most with you, and contribute as you are able. The situation is dire in and around Ukraine, and refugees need our help and attention now. Remember — every dollar helps, every voice helps, every effort helps.
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