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John —
No windows. Damaged walls. Houses with no roofs to shelter families.
This is the reality facing families in Ukraine as the bitterly cold winter approaches. In some areas, people don't have access to food, water, heat or electricity.
I've just returned from Ukraine where I met with families who are receiving aid from the IRC. Some of them live among rubles. Some are afraid to fall asleep at night, as their children hear sirens instead of lullabies. The situation they're facing is growing more dire — the fighting has escalated at the same time that temperatures have begun to fall. What I saw is heartbreaking, and makes me worried for what's to come.
John, our response is powered by compassionate supporters like you. Can you rush an emergency donation to help us provide children and families with the support they need in Ukraine and crisis zones worldwide this winter?
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The IRC is focusing our assistance in Ukraine in areas that are most heavily affected by the conflict — and where the temperatures will drop to the lowest. We are providing cash, health and legal services, as well as distributing winter kits to people who cannot access warm blankets or fuel stoves. We are running safe spaces for women and children to recover from everything they have witnessed over the past few months.
In areas where the fighting is most intense, much of Ukraine's civilian infrastructure has been destroyed. Millions of people require humanitarian assistance in order to prepare for the cold winter ahead — and to begin to rebuild what they've lost.
I hope you'll consider chipping in today to support our humanitarian response in Ukraine and other conflict zones worldwide. It's because of supporters like you that we can help people recover and rebuild their lives amidst conflict.
I'll be sure to keep you updated on the situation on the ground, provide insights into our emergency and long-term response efforts, as well as stories of the people I meet along the way.
— Joanna Nahorska, IRC Ukraine Response
P.S. Attached below are just a few pictures I've taken on my phone that I wanted to share with you since arriving in Ukraine: |
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| Three generations of Ukrainians lived in this home before it was destroyed last month. |
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| A shelled neighborhood in Mykolaiv. |
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When the air alert is off and everyone emerges from the shelters, there is hope and there is courage.
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