Ways to help people fleeing Ukraine
Written by Bethany Smith for GI UK News
The devastation in Ukraine is playing out in real time in the homes of many across the world today, the displacement of countless Ukrainians and others living in the area is impossible to turn away from. For us in the UK, it can be hard to know just what we can do to help our European friends in their time of need, so below are links to charities, organisations, as well as groups of people living in the UK dedicating their time to organising food, clothes, money, shelter and more for those impacted by this invasion.
As of today, the following data providers are offering free calls from the UK to Ukraine, as well as free data roaming for those in Ukraine:
- BT
- EE
- Vodafone
- O2
- Three.
Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) have partnered with churches and other organisations including Association of Ukrainian Women, Ukrainian Youth Association and more, to raise funds to buy essential resources for those directly impacted by events in the country.
Donations made so far rage from £1 all the way up to £20,000, the total raised currently stands at £841,099.
Donations as little as £8 can buy 2 woollen blankets for those using emergency shelters, however if you can donate more, you could help to fund counselling, medicine and more.
Oasis community hub are running an event every Wednesday, for the foreseeable, to help people make thermal blankets for those in Ukraine or those who have fled to neighbouring countries offering asylum. They are open 9am-5pm and will be providing all the supplies needed to make the blankets. They are also willing to provide kits to those who may want to make them at home, they ask those who want to choose this option to send them a DM on their socials. If you are traveling from far, I recommend phoning them on 0161 886 6500 to confirm they are running the event on the day you plan to go.
Although this Facebook page requires admin approval before you join, it is an excellent page full of people willing to assist those fleeing Ukraine with travel to safety and even housing. People from across Europe are sharing posts with what they can provide help with, as well as those who fleeing the country requesting shelter and donations of essentials.
This is a great one if you have a spare room, or a car and can offer transport from airports to shelters. Also, if you are looking to help but aren’t sure how, this offers the chance to see those directly impacted asking for what they need.
Charity organisation Dnipro Kids are supplying aid for the children impacted by the war in Ukraine. You can donate or sponsor a child to show your support.
- Write to your MP
If you think the UK can and should be doing more to assist those impacted by this war, you can write to your MP and ask them to plead with the government to provide aid and shelter to those fleeing the country. If you don’t know who your MP is, you can find out here and see this webpage for help on how to write the letter and more.
Collection points across London:
North London collection point, 233 Willesden Lane, NW2 5RP.
If you are in North London, there is a donation site collecting anything ranging from batteries to sanitary towels to porridge. They are open from 7am – 8pm and a full lsit of supplies they are asking for is available in this tweet.
South London collection point, White Eagle Club, Balham High Road, SW17 7BQ.
Transporting supplies to Ukrainian refugees at the Polish border, as well as to those fighting, unable to leave, or choosing to stay within the country of Ukraine. Collecting Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am – 7pm and Sunday 10am – 5pm, they ask for clothes donations to be separated by women’s, men’s, children’s and babies. More details available here.