Braving winter and air strikes to help people in need
Ukraine | 2023 | CBPF
Ukraine. As Ukraine endures yet another new wave of attacks amid a harsh winter, humanitarian workers are tirelessly supporting the most affected people, especially in the eastern and southern regions.
Winter supplies to keep the cold out
Antonina Veryovka is a 69-year-old resident of Pervomaiske village, in Ukraine’s Mykolaiv region.
She shared her harrowing experience: “Everything was burned down completely. Windows, doors – everything was destroyed.” Her village was occupied for several days, and people hid in their basements.
Antonina was trying to rebuild her life, making do in her damaged home.
With support from the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund, Caritas and the Ukrainian organization Charitable Foundation New Dawn provided winter supplies, including a mattress, pillow, and thermal blanket. Her house isn’t fixed, but she says, “Now at least I have something to sleep on.”
Firewood and stoves for cooking and heat
In Hontarivka village, just 39 km from the border with Russia, Vira and her family were also struggling. With no central gas supply, they rely on firewood for heating – an expensive luxury.
“Have you seen the prices for firewood? Where will we get the money if a truck of firewood costs UAH15,000 (US$400)?” she asked. “There is no gas, there is no anything.”
Families like Vira’s received vital assistance from JERU (Joint Emergency Response in Ukraine, the joint mission of Welthungerhilfe and Concern Worldwide) in partnership with the national organization “We are Brothers, We are Ukrainians.” The initiative received financial support from the Ukrainian Humanitarian Fund.
JERU provided a stove and firewood to Vira’s family and other affected people.
JERU’s Country Director, Derya Mutlu, said: “Wherever we have been, winter has always been the biggest concern for people; whether they will have enough money for heating, whether families will be able to provide themselves with the necessary amount of firewood and fuel, heat their homes and pay bills.”
Original story: adapted from original articles by OCHA Ukraine.
More information about the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund