5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Help People in Ukraine

Current Events5 Things You Can Do Right Now to Help People in UkraineFollowing the news and want to help those fleeing Ukraine, but don't know where to start? Here are five concrete actions you can take today.

By Emily Chan

March 3, 2022

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Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has shocked millions around the world. Devastating images have shown thousands taking shelter amid airstrikes in Kyiv, while others have been fleeing to neighboring countries such as Poland and Moldova. The United Nations estimates there could be up to 4.5 million refugees leaving Ukraine if the conflict continues to escalate, with millions of children among those affected. 

From donating to charities to amplifying the voices of those on the ground, below are five things you can do to help those affected by the horrifying situation unfolding in Ukraine. 

1. Donate to Organizations Working on the Ground in UkraineRed Cross

The Ukrainian Red Cross Society (URCS) and International Committee Of The Red Cross (ICRC) are working on the ground to provide those who are being displaced by the war in Ukraine with food, water, medical supplies and shelter. You can donate directly to both organizations or via the British Red Cross’s Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHRC)

The UN Refugee Agency has launched an appeal to support those who are fleeing their homes in Ukraine and those whose homes have been damaged in the war. The agency is providing emergency shelter, relief items and emergency payments, as well as access to social services and psychological support for those in need.

Save The Children

Save The Children has launched an emergency appeal to help distribute essential aid to children and their families, deliver winter and hygiene kits, as well as giving cash grants to help families meet basic needs. It will also offer psychological support for children impacted by the war in Ukraine.

UNICEF

UNICEF has been working in Ukraine since conflict broke out in the east of the country eight years ago. The charity is providing families with access to clean water and nutritious food, and helping to ensure child health and protection services continue amid the on-going crisis.

CARE

CARE (Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere) has launched an emergency appeal to help provide food, water, hygiene kits, cash and support to those affected by the war in Ukraine via its partner People In Need, which is already working on the ground in the country.

Choose Love

Choose Love has set up the Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser to help provide emergency medical care, food, shelter, clothes, support for the LGBTQ+ community and mental health support, as well as legal support to those in Ukraine and those fleeing the country.

2. Amplify the Voices of People in Ukraine

Amplifying the voices of those on the ground in Ukraine, including their appeals for support on social media, can help raise awareness of what’s happening in the country. Many Ukrainians within the fashion industry have been posting about the conflict, including Svitlana Bevza, founder and creative director of Bevza, designer Vita Kin and Olya Kuryshchuk, founder of 1Granary.

Getty Images3. Show Solidarity Through Protest & Demonstration

A series of protests have been taking place all around the world, calling for peace in Ukraine. In Washington D.C., United Help Ukraine is holding daily protests outside of the White House for those wishing to show their support and appeal to the U.S. government to take action, while Razom for Ukraine has been sharing the dates and locations of protests in New York City to its social media accounts. For those based in the United Kingdom, the British-Ukrainian Aid has been sharing details of demonstrations in London, while the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign has been posting about protests taking place around the U.K.

To find an event or demonstration near you, we recommend following local Ukrainian organizations and community leaders in your area on social media and regularly checking back for updates.

4. Sign, Then Share Petitions

There are a number of petitions you can sign to help those in Ukraine, including a Change.org petition calling on President Joe Biden to accept Ukrainian refugees immediately, which was started by Ukrainian native Mykhaylo Gryb and his wife Ashley Testa of Jacksonville, Florida. For those in the U.K., there's a parliamentary petition calling for the government to fast track asylum seekers who have been displaced due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

5. Call and Write to Your Local Politician

You can also write to your local representatives to express your concerns about the situation in Ukraine and to call on the government to do more to help.

Read more:

• Where to Donate New (or Gently Used) Products So They Don't Go to Waste
• How to Donate Beauty Products and Services During the Holidays
• Meet the Collective That's Setting Up Wig Donations for Black Trans Folks

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