Help Ukrainian refugees

The first emergency

Hundreds of thousands of refugees crossing the Polish and Hungarian borders. At the very beginning of this crisis, we contacted voluntary associations, local authorities and journalists from local newspapers in those countries to get a good understanding: it was clear that, while there were no problems on the Hungarian border (the Hungarian reception system was efficient and met all the needs of those arriving), the situation on the two main routes between Ukraine and Poland was quite different. On Monday, February 28, the first shuttles, financed and supported by Specchio dei tempi, were already on their way to these areas. On Wednesday night, March 2, the first refugees arrived in Italy, reaching first Brescia and then Turin.

A 'shuttle chain' for humanitarian aid

Since then, the shuttle service has been running on a daily basis: 9-seater and 54-seater buses have already left and will be frequently used from now onwards. On their way to the border, the buses also carry basic necessities: foodstuffs with a long shelf life, personal hygiene products, medicines and medical supplies (syringes, bandages, plasters, disinfectants)

Welcoming Ukrainian refugees in Turin

Meanwhile, in Turin, the institutional Coordination Committee of the Piedmont Region has entrusted Specchio dei tempi with the task of assisting the families of arriving refugees, offering them immediate economic support. Concerning this point, in close collaboration with the Ukrainian Consulate and its volunteers, an emergency phone number has been activated.

What we'll do this week

Our programs include intensified connections with the borders to transport refugees to Italy, but also to send medical suppliers and food to those who have decided to stay in Ukrain: some want to fight, some are unable to move for health reasons, some feel simply attached to their homeland.

We will continue to stay close to the Ukrainian people, thanks to you and those who will support us to be even more incisive and bring comfort to desperate people.

Links:

• What we are doing with the Polish association helping refugees
• Coordination Committee of the Piedmont Region (Italian)