HELP UKRAINE - Humanitarian relief in Chernivtsi

Ukraine has been in the dark following the November bombings, while temperatures drop below zero with the winter season. According to the newspaper Le Monde, more than 10 million Ukrainians are without power, i.e. a quarter of the population.

About half of the energy infrastructure on Ukrainian soil is now damaged (Source: Milan Institute for International Political Studies).

Ivan, the representative of the Ukrainian partner association Dobri Liudi Bukovinu, says that: “the new normal life depends on the light, whenever it’s there. Every morning you wake up to find out if there is electricity and if there is internet. And often, there isn't either."

After nine months of war, a solution sadly still remains out of reach. And that notion is draining and disheartening.

We really want to thank you for your support which enables us to keep the light of hope burning for those who are in despair in Chernivtsi. It is the most fragile population, with displaced people, the elderly, families with disabilities, as well as children and women. Supporting them matters a lot: over 500 beneficiaries a month receive food, hygiene and cleaning products, medicines, and educational materials through the local association.

It is tangible support that allows people to return to normality for a few moments. For instance, 3 class A+ washing machines and 3 dryers were purchased for refuges and for a house that houses 9 people (3 women, 2 children and 2 elderly people) in situations of extreme poverty.

The distribution of food, hygiene products and medicines continues. Besides this, with the help of 4 operators, the Ukrainian partner organizes recreational and occupational activities every week for about 100 children and their families (especially mothers and grandmothers) in the centers. They play board games, dance and organize study support. This is an important aid to mitigate high levels of emotional stress.

The activitieshave recently been suspended due to cold temperatures and, most of all, due to the lack of power. This has made it impossible to use a boiler to heat up rooms for the activities. Thanks to the support received, however, we purchased and sent a portable 3.5 Kw silenced inverter generator to the local association. Ukrainian operators will now be able to carry the generator with them to resume their activities.

We thank you for your support and solidarity in those hard times to which you brought light and warmth in spite of the distance that separates you from Ukraine.