John: My job is to share with our compassionate supporters like you the latest and most important updates about the IRC's emergency work. That's why I'm reaching out today, to let you know that we are continuing to work tirelessly to support children and families in crisis—like those in Ukraine.
Are you able to rush an emergency donation today, to help us continue this lifesaving work? Thank you for your kind consideration. —Andrea @ IRC
[13 May] Kharkiv, Ukraine:
IRC Aids Evacuation Efforts as People Escape Vovchansk
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been working in the evacuation hub in Kharkiv, Ukraine, assisting newly arrived families with medical aid, emergency items and psychological support. Our team has even established a child-friendly space in the hub to ensure that children have a safe place to recover and receive urgently needed psychological first aid.
"Evacuation buses continue to bring in new people. Everyone is visibly distressed from enduring relentless shelling for a week. Today, I met a mother with five children, the youngest just 8 months old. We could really feel her distress, as the baby cried incessantly. Despite the turmoil, the evacuated children opened up, sharing their harrowing experiences. One girl drew her home surrounded by rubble, depicting the aftermath of two explosions she went through." –Andrii Semenko, the IRC Child Protection Senior Officer
BREAKING: Over the past few days, more than 30 settlements in the region of Kharkiv have come under artillery and mortar fire, with the town of Vovchansk being hit by massive shelling.
According to the latest reports, more than 5,000 civilians have been evacuated from their homes amid heavy fighting in the region during the last three days. Some families had to walk miles to reach transportation to take them to safety.
IRC teams are working tirelessly to help families as they escape and at the evacuation hub in Kharkiv. Can you rush your urgent support of our work for people in Ukraine and families affected by crisis around the world?
We wouldn't be able to do this work without you. Thank you.
—Ukraine Team @ IRC
P.S. We wanted to attach this inspiring photo of our work in action, particularly in creating a safe space for children who have evacuated:
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