Fiona Govan
WITH the world watching the desperate situation unfold in Ukraine after Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion by Russian troops, it is easy to feel helpless.
But there are things everyone can do.
You have a voice and can make yourself heard by attending rallies, signing petitions and writing to your politicians.
Another easy step is to donate money either to support Ukrainian people to defend themselves or to help the humanitarian efforts and help refugees flooding into Europe.
It is also important to keep yourself properly informed and be cautious about false information spread by Russian-backed ‘sources’ involved in spreading misinformation on social media.
Here The Olive Press provides a quick guide to help our readers lend their support.
Offer accomodation to Ukrainians in Spain
There are various schemes in place to offer homes and accomodation to Ukrainians arriving in Spain. For a detailed look at how to do it, read this article. EXPLAINED: How can I offer my home in Spain to refugees fleeing war in Ukraine?
Take to the streets
Demonstrations have been held across Spain from A Coruña to Murcia since Russian forces invaded the Ukraine last Thursday.
These have taken place outside Russian Embassy and consulates as well as outside Ukrainian missions. Mass protests have also been held in public squares.
Chances are there will be one taking place near you and if there’s not, you can always organise your own.
StopPutin provides a round-up of rallies and events as well as tips for those wanting to show their support for the #StandWithUkraine movement.
Make a donation
Below are some recognised organizations working to help Ukrainians during this crisis.
The UN refugee agency is collecting donations for humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine. Celebrities Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have pledged to match every single donation up to $1million. DONATE HERE
Voices of Children is a charitable foundation that focuses on addressing the psychological effect of armed conflict on children. Founded in 2015 in response to the conflict in eastern Ukraine, Voices of Children provides art therapy, mobile psychologists, and individualized support to traumatized children. Individuals can donate HERE.
The International Rescue Committee
With a long history of providing resources to refugees fleeing countries facing humanitarian crisis, the IRC have responded to the situation in Ukraine by meeting with organizations in Poland and Ukraine to gauge the potential number of refugees and their needs so it can quickly mobilize and provide whatever assistance is needed. A monthly donation of $108 will provide eight families with temporary shelter. You can make a donation via its website.
United Help Ukraine focuses on providing medical supplies and humanitarian aid, and raising awareness of the conflict.
Started five years ago as a fundraiser to provide backpacks with first aid and medical supplies to front-line doctors, Sunflower of Peace is currently providing backpacks to Ukrainian soldiers, citizens, and volunteers.
According to its fundraising information, “Each backpack is designed for groups of 5 to 10 people and includes a variety of first aid supplies. Donate through the fundraising page on Facebook.
International humanitarian organization CARE has set up an emergency Ukrainian Crisis Fund with the goal of providing immediate support for 4 million people. Donations will go toward providing Ukrainians with water, food, supplies, hygiene kits, immediate support and aid, and cash. CARE says it is prioritizing supporting women, girls, families, and elderly. Donate via its website.
This nonprofit is focused on providing health-care services, psychosocial support, and care to citizens of countries dealing with disaster, disease, and conflict. Donation via the website
Project Hope is an international organization that coordinates with health-care workers to provide on-the-ground medical support to countries in crisis.. It’s currently sending medical supplies to Ukrainians. You can make donations via its website
Razom for Ukraine is a Ukrainian-American nonprofit dedicated to unlocking Ukraine’s democratic potential by creating collaborative spaces that foster international civic engagement. It has its own fundraiser to support its emergency response to the war.
The ICRC’s has teams on the ground in Ukraine to continue their work to repair vital infrastructure, support health facilities with medicines and equipment, and support families with food and hygiene items.
Spanish chef Jose Andres has taken his NGO to provide hot food to refugees fleeing the Russian invasion. You can make a donation or offer your help as a volunteer.
Can’t decide?
Thirteen charitiess in the UK which form the Disaster Emergency Committee have launched the Ukraine Humanitarian appeal.
The member organisations including the British Red Cross and ActionAid are responding in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries to the Russian invasion. The British government has pledged to manage every donation up to £20 million, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said. Donations can be made here at the DEC Ukraine humanitarian appeal page.
Support local journalism
English-language news outlets based in the country, such as Kyiv Independent and the New Voice of Ukraine, are covering developments on the ground as the conflict unfolds, using local journalists.
The Kyiv Independent says it was created by journalists in order to defend editorial independence. Donations can be made via its GoFundMe and Patreon accounts, which will be used to keep the news source running.This list on Twitter has collated many local journalists in Ukraine providing first hand accounts.
Local collection points
Across Spain there are collection points for practical donations such as clothes, food, blankets, tents, medicines and medical equipment.
These are people collected by different groups to be sent to refugees in countries neighbouring Ukraine and to help the humanitarian effort within Ukraine itself.
Reach out to Ukrainians in your local community to see how you can help. Ask your nearest Ukrainian consulate or Ukrainian supermarket what efforts are taking place locally.
Madrid efforts are centred at the Ucramarket supermarket in Calle Mendez Alvaro, 8 near Atocha which is sending van loads of donations over to Poland.
In Barcelona the Ukrainian community is coordinating donations through the Ukrainian consulate.
Donation points have cropped up in towns along the Costa del Sol which is home to many Ukrainian expats. For a full list read more HERE:
In Sevilla, donations are being collected at the Ukrainian Catholic Church while in Valencia, The Fallero Centre is collecting emergency supplies to send over.
Chances are there is something similar happening in your local community. Drop us a line and let us know. newsdesk@theolivepress.es
READ MORE:
- How can I help Ukraine? Drop-off donation points in Spain’s Malaga
- ‘We’ll fight in the streets’: Spanish musician living in Ukraine describes defiance as Russian troops advance on Kyiv
- Ukrainian sailor arrested for sinking of superyacht owned by Russian arms dealer in Spain’s Mallorca
