The humanitarian crisis has sparked outrage in the UK, as protests against the war on Ukraine have begun all over the country.
On the 24th of February 2022, Russia launched a devastating invasion on Ukraine, as President Putin breaks a 2015 peace deal between the two countries. Airports and military headquarters were targeted first, before bombs rained over cities and residential areas, leaving Ukrainian civilians in devastating circumstances. Putin’s orders have inflicted serious casualties on innocent Ukrainians, with hundreds of lives lost already. Families and children have escaped to bomb shelters, and over half a million Ukrainian citizens have fled to Poland and other nearby countries, to seek refuge.
Like many of us, you may be feeling helpless in this worldwide crisis as thousands of Ukranians flee to safety. We have put together a few ways that you can help Ukraine and their innocent citizens. Whether you have the means to give to charity or, you have spare clothes, toiletries and food – every little helps.
Donate To Charity
Save the Children – “As this war unfolds, our Ukraine crisis response aims to reach 3.5 million vulnerable children and their families.”
Services include distributing essential supplies and winter kits of clothing and blankets as temperatures plunge below freezing, providing cash and vouchers assistance to families to meet basic needs like food, rent and medicines, offering vital mental health and psychosocial support to children and their families, and providing access to safe, inclusive, quality education. Visit their website to donate.
British Red Cross – “We are gravely concerned about the intensification of fighting in Ukraine over the past few days. People are losing their homes and lives; families are being separated. Essential services, like water and healthcare, are under threat.”
Donations will help provide food, water, first aid and medicine to those in need. Visit their website or call 03000230820 to donate.
UNICEF – “UNICEF is especially concerned for the safety and wellbeing of children who have become separated from their families We are working round the clock to keep families safe.” Your donations will go towards providing families with access to clean water and healthy food, helping to make sure that child health and protection services continue, and the assessment of the refugee situation across neighbouring countries. Visit their website or call 0300 330 5699 to donate.
UNHCR – “UNHCRcover every angle of emergency response.” Services include; providing camps in safe zones, installing water and sanitation, and providing emergency care to injured civilians. Visit their website to donate.
Donate essentials
Organisations across the UK are accepting clothes, sleeping bags, toiletries, and other essentials to help Ukrainian citizens, and those that have been forced to flee.
In London, The White Eagle Club is now taking donations of clothes, clean shoes, bedding, and sanitary products for refugees in Poland. 211 Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ. The Lewisham Polish Centre is taking donations of soups in cups, disposable table wear, nappies, cardboard juices, and wet wipes. 8 Waldram Park Rd, London SE23 2PN.
Additionally, The Polish Integration Support Centre’s British and Polish Solidarity with Ukraine campaign is collecting donations at sites across the country. The locations include; Polish Social Club, Southampton – 507 Portswood Road, SO17 2TH, Polish Merseyside Liverpool – 254 County Road, Liverpool, L4 5PE and BeeHouse Manchester – Deansgate Locks, 2 Whitworth Street, Manchester M1 5LH.
Words By Lucy Rosenberg
Photo Credit: @Olivier_rousteing
