Twenty-four hours a day, the line of Ukrainian refugees at the Polish border town of Medyka stretches as far as the eye can see. Tired, hungry, and scared, people are running for their lives with nothing more than the clothes on their backs, carrying their babies and holding their children’s hands. Keep in mind that the line at Medyka is just one of many. More than 2.3 million refugees have fled Ukraine in the past two weeks, creating an urgent need in Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Slovakia, and other adjacent countries. The images are confusing and heartbreaking and many of us wonder how we can help.
For those that have remained in Ukraine, the situation is getting dire. They are facing food and water shortages, and lacking many basic necessities. As of March 10, residents in Mariupol, Ukraine have been without power, heat, or reliable access to other necessities for days. The ever-changing cease-fire agreements make escape dangerous, but still has many fleeing the country. The bitter cold is only making things worse.
As the war uproots Ukrainians looking for safety and shelter, Convoy of Hope is on the ground and working with partners in the region to provide emergency relief. More than half of those who have already fled have gone to Poland, where Convoy is making great progress in finding ways to serve people through local churches and partners. The organization is also continuing to facilitate transportation and storage of relief supplies and distribution of vital necessities like food, water, and hygiene items into Ukraine and neighboring countries. Convoy of Hope’s partners across Europe and supporters around the world have made Convoy’s timely and effective response possible.
Dr. Nancy and her family have joined together with the global community to raise their voices and funds to help the Ukrainian people through Convoy’s Disaster Relief Fund. As Dr. Nancy says, “We are a global world. When one of us suffers, we all suffer. Hope resounds when we see people lifting others up. We are truly in this together.”
Convoy specializes in hope: Hope comes in the form of diapers, bottled water, a warm cup of soup, a dry bed, and just someone reaching out a helping hand. Join Women Connect4Good, the O’Reilly family and Convoy, and reach out to help our neighbors in Ukraine.