The situation in Ukraine is escalating by the hour, civilian casualties are growing, essential resources are being disrupted, and people are being forced to leave their destroyed homes. According to the UN refugee agency more than 4 million people have already crossed into neighbouring countries, including Hungary, Moldova, and Poland. Concerned about this humanitarian crisis, Salesians Ireland and the wider Salesian Network have been working to support the people of Ukraine. Carbury Parish in Co. Kildare and students from the Salesian secondary school in Pallaskenry have provided 94 packages of essential relief items, including food, sleeping bags, mats, first aid equipment and sanitary products for those affected by war in Ukraine. The relief material was successfully delivered to the destination through our Mission Office in Warsaw. Also, Don Bosco Aid has purchased a van for Salesians in Krakow Province for transporting relief materials.
Thousands of people worldwide have offered to open their homes to Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war. Misean Cara contributed €15,000 to host 53 Ukrainian refugees for one month, mostly mothers with children, in the Salesian Pilgrim House in Czerwinsk, Poland. Over €20,000 from the Alexian Brothers Foundation was sent to the Salesian Parish Christ the King in Wroclaw, Poland to host 16 refugees for 3 months. Thanks to your support, Don Bosco Aid transferred over €120,000 in total, to help the affected families fleeing the conflict zones.
Despite Europe’s quick response to the emergency situation, the humanitarian crisis is still acute in many eastern regions. To tackle the crisis, Salesians on the ground so far have organised 14 humanitarian convoys to Ukraine, including Bibrka and Żytomir. In total, 71 tons of food, medicine and hygiene products have been purchased and delivered to Salesian centres in Korostyshiv, Peremyshlany, Odessa and Kiev.
The refugees have been provided with psychologists at their disposal to help them overcome the trauma they suffered while fleeing the war. Additionally, the community members are organising different activities for children and adults, including Polish language school, Sunday Holy Masses and daily evening prayers in Ukrainian.
As an international congregation, the Salesian order continues a worldwide appeal for humanitarian aid. As the Salesians Ireland, we will continue to provide support through our Don Bosco Aid office in Dublin.
Read more about the Ukraine Appeal and situation
