Hello Fellow Australians!
It is the time of year when many families in Ukraine should be starting to prepare and hunker down for the winter. Safe in the house, with the fireplace or heating, and a larder full of the season’s excess and preserves. Tragically, a much more dire reality faces an increasing number of families and people.
During our 6 weeks in Ukraine, we have witnessed firsthand the internally displaced people crisis in Ukraine. While moving about a broad area of the country, we were involved with many different medical and humanitarian outreach clinics. All of these clinics were run by Ukrainian volunteers. The staff, who were mostly medical, were supported by local churches and NGO’s (many our partners) in different ways. While being involved with these clinics, we witnessed more of what these churches were doing within their communities.
All were involved with helping internally displaced people in various ways. If you’re not aware, these are people who have been displaced as a result of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Sadly, they are coming in greater numbers at this moment in time because of the more populated areas Russia is currently creeping their destructive and deadly reach into.
These people are having to leave their homes and often everything they’ve ever owned or known in life. Some have never travelled outside their home districts. Many have lost family members to the war.
One man, who had returned to his deoccupied village in 2023 highlighted to us how good life was in his village. Yes, it was hard at times, but they had everything they needed to survive. They had gardens, animals, and a house. There was a great sense of community, happiness and contentment in the village. “What were the Russians “liberating” us from?” he asked with exasperation. ( A reference to Russia’s claim that they are “liberating” Ukrainians.) Many of these deoccupied villages have a long road to full recovery. Some were completely devastated and may never be rebuilt. This man was one of the fortunate ones who was able to return after Russia were pushed back after their initial major invasion push. Russia is pushing forward again, though at a much slower rate this time.
To pour more depth of pain into civilian life and break their will, Russia has been persistently targeting anything energy related in Ukraine as winter approaches. With less military support for Ukraine at the moment more missiles and drones are getting through the air defences, putting Ukraine into a massive energy crisis for this winter.
People will suffer, some will freeze to death, especially the elderly and infirm. We experienced just a week without heating in one of these large concrete apartments, and I can tell you it was tough, and winter is not even here yet. It will get much, much colder. Electricity supply will be extremely limited in most of Ukraine for at least this winter. Clinics we worked in had no power or running water. Almost every, or nearly every, thermal power plant is currently out of action due to Russian strikes.
In a country at war, the strain of providing the necessities for safety and some comfort for winter to all these displaced people is truly immense. These people need international help, our help. The churches source donated goods, but also use donations to buy what is required. And we have the direct connections to make sure every cent of your donations goes to power packs, generators, warm clothing and supplies. Ukraine’s own charity giving rates are amongst the highest in the world, but this is not enough for this unfolding emergency. 100% of your donation will go directly to those helping these refugees. Your money will be used to provide the most basic of needs, helping to reduce the danger and suffering many of these people will face this winter.
An Australian dollar goes a long way in Ukraine so any donation amount will help. Please, the dread of an especially cold and deep winter is closing in. Help bring comfort and safety to these innocent and traumatised people urgently. We are in Ukraine now and can ensure your donations are utilised immediately. Please give a tax deductible donation today!
