💛GRANDPARENTS' DAY💛
Meet Oleksandr, a grandfather from Ukraine who risked everything to protect his grandkids

John—

Because you're one of the International Rescue Committee’s kind and tenacious supporters, I wanted to share this story with you... a story that is a powerful testament to love and resilience... a story that shows how your support helps families stay together.

As the war in Ukraine escalated in 2022, Oleksandr's life changed dramatically. With his daughter and son-in-law (who was hospitalized at the time) unable to leave the country, he stepped in to evacuate his grandchildren to safety. As a disabled veteran and Chernobyl survivor, Oleksandr wouldn't be drafted into the army and could leave Ukraine.

Driving across borders with a sign pleading "DON'T SHOOT, CHILDREN," displayed in the window of his old car, they eventually reached Italy.

There, Oleksandr and his wife faced a grueling six-month legal battle to be recognized as the kid’s official caregivers. "Every day, we feared they would take the children," he recalls. But they fought on and won custody.

The IRC is supporting their family with legal aid, as well as help in finding after-school activities and medical care to address their health needs. Read more about the impact of what your compassionate support makes possible >>
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With Oleksandr's daughter now in Italy, they are actively pursuing the transfer of guardianship to her, adding another layer of complexity to the already challenging legal procedures.

"We are turning to the IRC and they found us a pro bono lawyer. The lawyer prepared all the documents again and submitted them again."

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IRC case managers and psychologists visit Oleksandr's family and provide them with regular support. Pictured here (from left to right) are Oleksandr, IRC cultural mediator Alina, Oleksandr's wife, case worker Elena and psychologist Marco.

Today, Oleksandr takes great joy from taking the kids to school and keeping their Ukrainian heritage alive.

"We do everything. We walk with them in the playground, on weekends we go with them to the sea."

Despite their longing for home and daily news checks on Ukraine, Oleksandr's positivity and humor never falter.

Read the full story:
Oleksandr's fight to keep his grandkids safe >>
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The IRC has been providing direct support to refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants in Italy who are facing immense hurdles in the integration process.

Thank you. Your support brings hope and relief to families like Oleksandr's, who have left everything behind.

International Rescue Committee 💛

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