Just weeks ago I was in Vinnytsia, which is in the centre of Ukraine, listening out for air raid alarms in case my team and I had to relocate to a bunker. I was responsible for UNHCR’s emergency response in Vinnytsia, where more than 260,000 people are displaced and millions more are affected by the conflict. Now I’m in Lviv, near Ukraine’s border with Poland, where I’m supporting UNHCR’s nationwide response across Ukraine.
Supporter, we are facing an emergency on all fronts. For people forced to flee, the situation is appalling. Everybody is in dire need of support, including shelter, food, water, medical supplies, blankets, clothes – you name it. People have lost loved ones, have lost everything, because of this senseless war.
The situation here is extremely difficult, but we must be present and continue to save lives.
Vinnytsia is a key launching pad for UNHCR’s response. My team there is delivering critical, life-saving supplies and assistance to hard-hit areas such as Kharkiv. Across the country, we’re providing cash assistance to over 400,000 people. We have helped to prepare more than 175 reception centres to receive tens of thousands of displaced people. And we are offering a lot of protection assistance, such as counselling and psychosocial support.
I have to tell you how proud I am of my team. When I first arrived in the country at the start of the war, I had to go to a bunker. I saw the blaze in the sky from a missile striking the outskirts of the city. But this is nothing compared to what one of my colleagues has faced. He lost members of his family in Mariupol after their home was destroyed. Yet I see a great deal of enthusiasm and determination from him and the rest of the team. It makes me want to do more.
Supporter, will you join my team and help us send aid to displaced families before 30 June?
The humanitarian need in Ukraine is massive. Our number one concern here is simply to stay and save lives. Please support my team and help us protect the most vulnerable.
P.S. The Cameron Foundation has generously offered to match donations up to a total of $50,000 before 30 June. Please give a tax-deductible gift now to double your impact.
