It can be difficult to witness the devastation unfolding in Ukraine. Many of us are desperate to help but wondering how to support Ukraine from Australia. Below is information on the aid and assistance our teams on the ground are providing for children and their families in Ukraine and how you can help Ukrainian refugees.
Save the Children has been championing the rights of children for over 100 years. We have grown into a global movement, helping millions of children in over 117 countries. We provide life-saving crisis aid internationally in countries affected by humanitarian crises including natural disasters, war, and the effects of climate change, and also run programs that focus on giving children the best start in life. Here is how we are supporting children in Ukraine and how to help Ukraine now.
How to help Ukrainian refugees
The conflict in Ukraine, ongoing for 8 years, has recently escalated, putting even more children and their families at greater risk. With 7.5 million children in Ukraine, countless children have had to flee their homes, have been separated from their families, and have been exposed to situations no child should have to live through. Crisis aid and support are desperately needed.
In Ukraine, as a crisis aid charity, we have had teams on the ground helping children and their families since 2014. We have also been able to deploy additional specially trained rapid response teams delivering urgent immediate relief as the situation has escalated.
Our teams have reached over 1.8 million people in Ukraine since this conflict escalation and are working hard to provide the following crisis aid in Ukraine:
- Distribution of essential supplies such as food, clean water, shelter, medicine, and hygiene kits along with winter kits including clothing and blankets.
- Cash grants for families to buy necessary survival items.
- Protection for children from harm and ensuring access to quality education.
- Psychological support to address the severe emotional distress many children are facing.
- Safe spaces for children to learn and play, and initiatives to keep families together.
Through our Ukraine Crisis Appeal, your donations help us provide these critical services. Specifically, we offer life-saving essentials, voucher-based assistance for families, and set up child-friendly spaces where children can safely play and learn despite the harsh realities outside. Additionally, our frontline emergency units are equipped to deploy quickly to hard-to-reach areas, providing high-quality medical care needed during extreme conflict situations.
The crisis aid we provide is vital not just for immediate relief but also for long-term recovery. We work tirelessly to ensure children have the protection they need and run programs to minimise the long-term impacts of this crisis through education and recovery support.
Other ways to support Ukraine
While donations are the best way to help those affected by the crisis in Ukraine, you can also support the children of Ukraine through advocacy, volunteering, and keeping informed. These initiatives help us make a greater impact and create lasting change.
Advocacy
Advocate for policies impacting children in crisis areas such as Ukraine. Save the Children Australia uses their expertise to influence public and political opinion, advocating for improved child protection and rights worldwide. Support our cause by:
- Participating in campaigns for children affected by the Ukraine crisis.
- Sharing informative content and updates on social media to increase awareness.
- Encouraging local representatives to support aid delivery policies and protect children in conflict zones.
Volunteering
Volunteers are vital to our operations, both locally and internationally. By joining Save the Children as a volunteer, you can contribute to expanding our reach and enhancing our impact.
Corporate Partnerships
Businesses can make a big difference with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. Get your company involved to:
- Partner with Save the Children to support targeted initiatives or respond to emergencies.
- Plan corporate fundraising events.
- Match employee donations to increase support by twice the amount.
Stay Informed
Stay updated and share knowledge with others about the challenges faced by children in Ukraine and crisis zones. Educate and inspire others to take action by understanding the issues. Subscribe to our newsletters and follow us on social media for updates and insights.
How to donate to Ukraine from Australia
The best place to donate to Ukraine is through organisations like ours that provide ongoing support on the ground in Ukraine. You can make a single donation or become a monthly giver to help make a real difference to the innocent children and their families caught up in this devastating war.
To donate to the Ukraine crisis, visit our emergency fund page now. Remember, 81.1% of every dollar donated goes straight to our mission, ensuring that your contribution directly supports those in desperate need.