Many of us have been glued to social media and television since the morning of Feb. 24 when Russian forces launched a multi-pronged invasion of neighboring Ukraine. Many of us are still in shock at this development.
Since that time, humanitarian relief agencies have estimated that more than 3 million Ukrainians have already fled the country. Other reports project that anywhere from 6 to 18 million people could be impacted by the crisis. Most of those affected will be older citizens, women and children, according to a report by the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.
At Ripley PR, we mourn the ongoing tragedy in Ukraine and throughout the region. As a result, we encourage our friends, clients, followers and partners to make a donation to a reputable charity providing aid and comfort to those affected by displacement or trauma. We should work together to lessen the negative impact on Ukrainians and support them through established organizations that ensure your gift will be maximized.
Here are a few reputable charitable organizations that are working to help Ukrainians during these difficult times. These charities have all received three or four out of four stars from Charity Navigator, a non-profit organization that rates charities based on their financial health, accountability and transparency. In situations as desperate as the one in Ukraine, it’s critical to choose organizations that have the skill, experience, and networks to actually get the donated resources to those in need.
Medical Care:
Doctors Without Borders – Access to health care has been difficult for people living in the ongoing conflict lines in eastern Ukraine since 2014. This has only increased since the invasion in February. Doctors Without Borders have trained doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals to offer medical help, provide prescriptions and assist with helping patients get to medical facilities. DWB is also offering mental healthcare in addition to physical care.
Non-Medical:
Save the Children – Save the Children has also been operating in Ukraine since hostilities began in 2014. Since the invasion, it has increased its role. Save the Children supports access to education, provides psychosocial support, distributes winter, and hygiene kits, and provides cash grants to families so they can meet basic needs such as food, rent, and medicine.
Water/Sanitation/Hygiene:
Water Mission – This organization partners with local churches and civic organizations to help with evacuations and meet physical needs, such as safe water, sanitation, hygiene, meals, shelter and more. Donations help Water Mission provide emergency safe water systems and technical expertise to those who are directly serving displaced Ukrainians.
Emergency Housing:
ShelterBox – Working out of Poland during the Ukrainian crisis, ShelterBox provides family-sized tents that are specially designed to withstand the elements and provide people with temporary refuge. They also provide shelter kits that contain tools and rope, thermal blankets, hygiene kits, solar lights, buckets, and water carriers to people for immediate help.
Displaced pets:
Humane Society International – This group has recently entered an agreement with the Romanian Red Cross to transport pet food and veterinary supplies into Ukraine to care for animals in shelters, homes and on the streets.
The staff at Ripley PR hopes you can provide assistance to one of the above charities or another non-profit of your choice to help Ukrainians who are fleeing or staying in place, as well as help in responding to the global economic fallout as it pertains to world hunger and lack of shelter.
While there is little that individuals can do to stop this war, we can join together to provide relief to the millions who will be affected by this crisis during and long after its hopeful end.
