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Image: Nataliia and her family around their kitchen table.
John —
Being able to gather around a table with your loved ones — like so many of us here in the United States will tomorrow — is a gift that war and disaster steals from thousands of refugee and displaced families.
Doing humanitarian work can be challenging. We meet people in their most difficult moments, when they are dealing with the most tragic circumstances a person can face.
But thanks to supporters like you, we also see the very best of humanity. The IRC has the privilege of bringing humanitarian aid and hope that helps millions of people to survive crises and rebuild their lives.
It's all possible thanks to your support — and that's why I'm incredibly grateful for you this Thanksgiving.
I wish we could take you to see your impact up close, but the next best thing is sharing stories of families you help support. Today, I want you to meet Nataliia.
Nataliia is a mother to 9 children, ranging in age from 2 to 21 years old. When the conflict in Ukraine escalated in February 2022, she was living in the Kharkiv region with her husband and 8 of her children. Her oldest, Inna, was stuck in Kharkiv due to the hostilities, and they were unable to see each other for several months.
Being separated from her oldest child was hard for Nataliia, but her other children — including her youngest born just weeks before the conflict escalated — helped keep her spirits up.
"Somehow they kept our spirits up. Their conversations, their support. The children, somehow, give encouragement to keep on living. They lift your mood."
— Nataliia, 39, Ukraine
Shelling often forced the family to hide in a cold, dark cellar. As much as they wanted to stay in their family home they felt like they had no choice but to look for somewhere safer.
They drove off with only the clothes they were wearing.
Life as a displaced family in a conflict is difficult, but Nataliia is grateful for the medical care she receives from IRC mobile medical teams and the diapers for her baby.
But most of all, Nataliia is grateful her entire family is together again.
I'm so grateful that Nataliia's family is together again and for everything you do to help families like hers all over the world reunite, rebuild and thrive.
Wishing a happy Thanksgiving to you and yours,
— Hank
Hank Walter
Senior Officer, Supporter Communications
International Rescue Committee
P.S. Your support for the IRC helps families in crisis by providing life-saving aid and helping them to get back on their feet in new homes. Right now, we're offering our most dedicated supporters an opportunity to make 2X the impact for families in crisis with an early Giving Tuesday gift. If you're able, I would be so grateful if you'd make a special contribution so we can make twice the difference for refugees and displaced people in Ukraine and around the world. |
