As the conflict in Ukraine escalates, more and more people are fleeing their homes in search of safety. This has put a tremendous strain on nearby countries, who are struggling to provide shelter and assistance to all of the refugees.
An estimated 1.5 million Ukrainians have fled their homes within the first 10 days and it has been predicted that up to 4 million people could eventually flee Ukraine in search of safety.
The situation in Ukraine is heart-breaking and tragic. But there is still hope โ Ukrainians are fighting for their democracy and their future. We must stand with them as they fight for freedom and justice.
In the face of this humanitarian crisis, many PTAs around the globe have been working to raise money and gather supplies to send to Ukraine while helping to raise awareness about what is happening in many ways.
Various reports have indicated that the preferred option is to raise funds rather than collect supplies, as there can be difficulty getting supply trucks through to where they need to go.
Coordinating item donations to support Ukraine
Several schools jumped into action and started collecting donations from their school community to be taken to the Polish, Slovakian, Romanian, Hungarian, Moldovan and Lithuanian borders. There are drop-off points all over where supplies can be taken.
Please check with the organisers before taking your donations to ensure they are still accepting donations and to find out if there are specific items needed.
Raise funds for Ukraine instead of collecting supplies
While many PTAs have been collecting donations, there are also other ways to show your support. Consider organising events such as bake sales, car washes, or garage sales in which the proceeds can go to one of many aid organisations that are doing work on the ground to support those affected by the crisis.
Items transported from the UK have to travel of some distance, and this cost and time taken could be saved by sending funds directly to local aid agencies on the borders of Ukraine.
Hold a fundraising coffee morning to raise funds for Ukraine
Hold a non-uniform day fundraiser for Ukraine
Hold an auction fundraiser for Ukraine
Which charities are aiding Ukraine?
Here is a list of some well known organisations accepting monetary donations to support Ukrainian victims of conflict:
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) launched a Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to raise funds for food, water, medicine, protection and trauma care for people fleeing the war. This is a route highly recommended since they work collaboratively with many charities to direct your money to the right place urgently.
People in Need in the Czech Republic are focusing their efforts on helping Ukraine on the ground. They have been sending trucks of durable food, hygiene items, nappies, sleeping bags, mats, and other goods into Lviv in western Ukraine to distribute to people locally.
The International Committee of the RED CROSS is helping people affected by the conflict and is supporting the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross.
The work of the Doctors without borders in Ukraine has been focused on the pandemic and the Eastern Region. MSF states that they are working to rapidly scale up their medical and humanitarian response in various parts of the country, based on where they see the greatest need and the best opportunity for their assistance to have a significant impact.
Razom was originally founded in 2014 to support Ukrainians after Russia annexed Crimea. Now, the volunteer organisation is on the ground providing relief for soldiers and doctors on the frontlines.
Non-profit volunteer organisation that distributes medical supplies, food, and donations to Ukrainian people and refugees on the ground in Ukraine, as well as, supports Ukrainian families who have lost soldiers to war.
Provides safe drinking water, nutrition, sanitation and protection for children and families caught in the conflict in Ukraine.
Lend your voice to causes that support Ukraine and refugees
You can show support in other ways, like writing to your MP to ask for more support for refugees.
Refugee Action has made it really easy for you by drafting an email outlining what the Government needs to do to protect Ukrainians right now, and be ready to provide compassion to refugees in the future.
Just fill in this form and they will send a letter to your MP on your behalf to protest against the current treatment of refugees. For more fundraising ideas check out Refugee Actionโs fundraising guide and learn about 10 ways you can make a difference to the lives of refugees.
Is your PTA contributing to the support effort?
The events and donations mentioned above are just a few examples of the many ways PTAs are showing their support for Ukraine. Whether you want to host a bake sale, an auction or trivia night, there are endless ways to make an effort to support refugees fleeing Ukraine through fundraising.
Is your PTA doing anything to help support the people of Ukraine? We would love to hear your stories, so we can inspire other PTAs to do the same.
Thank you for reading, and please show your support for Ukraine by sharing this article with your PTA, friends and family.
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