For the past several days, Ukraine has been suffering relentless attacks by the Russian army. Hundreds of thousands of refugees, in particular children, women and the elderly, have fled their country to find refuge abroad.
Given the dramatic crisis that is intensifying by the day, we will be holding a National Day of Solidarity for the people of Ukraine on 9 March 2022, in collaboration with the SRG SSR. Backed by regional radio stations and media outlets, we will be appealing for donations on traditional and online TV and radio stations from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Many celebrities and volunteers will be taking pledges over the phone.
No one is indifferent to the war currently raging in Ukraine. The military offensive launched against Ukraine by Russia has only been intensifying, and hundreds of thousands of people are fleeing, seeking refuge in Poland, Moldova, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) predicts that millions more could follow as the situation further degrades.
We are in constant contact with our partner NGOs operating in the region—they are working hard to develop aid that is adapted to needs of the refugees. Thanks to your donations, we will be able to help them set up a targeted, quality humanitarian response to help the Ukrainian people.
“We are extremely moved by the solidarity that the people of Switzerland have been showing toward the Ukrainian people over the past few days. This war is deeply affecting us all, and so we want to ride this wave of solidarity and fully support the vital humanitarian aid being delivered.”Miren Bengoa, Director of Swiss Solidarity
Initially, our assistance will focus on the reception of refugees in countries bordering Ukraine. Food, shelter, hygiene products and medical care are essential for these people who have fled their country. We are carefully monitoring the situation as it evolves so as to adapt to the humanitarian needs yet to emerge. To provide a professional and targeted humanitarian response, we will be sending our two humanitarian programme managers to the Polish border in the coming days.
The proximity of this war is instilling among the people of Switzerland a growing desire to take action. In fact, since the fundraising campaign was launched on Thursday, 24 February, you have already entrusted us with more than CHF 10 million in donations. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Swiss Solidarity, 1211 Geneva 8
Your donation is tax deductible in Switzerland.
