Helping people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine.

Teams from the American Red Cross recently visited other National Red Cross Societies in Europe that are helping people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine. Here are 3 takeaways from this trip you need to know.

Lives have been turned upside down.

?Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross, visited an aid distribution site in Przeworsk, Poland, where she met Olga, a Ukrainian refugee. Olga was once a ballet dancer, but after fleeing her home, she has lost her inspiration for her art.

“Olga's life has been turned completely upside down. She has young kids, her husband is still in Ukraine, and her family has experienced so much hardship. Listening to these stories is difficult, but knowing we are making a difference is uplifting and I’m glad we’re able to help ease her pain a little bit,” Gail said.

Gail also met with Heart to Heart, a small nonprofit that provides activities for children. Alongside CORE Response, we’ve supported this partner nonprofit, which has been helping reach some of the most vulnerable kids who have lost everything since they left Ukraine.

We’ve created an app to deliver aid.

In Budapest, Hungary, several American Red Cross staff work for the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) as members of the “cash” team.

They are responsible for creating an innovative, multilingual app that streamlines cash voucher assistance to those who have fled violence. Through technological innovations, the team has made delivering assistance easier and ensured that those seeking assistance can do so with choice and dignity as they get back on their feet.

We’ll be there as long as there is a need.

While in Europe, Gail met with IFRC leadership to sign a joint statement underscoring our shared commitment to helping those affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Since the conflict escalated in February of 2022, the American Red Cross has provided $90 million dollars to the IFRC and National Societies in the region to assist those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

“Working together as a movement is so powerful,” said Gail. “You see on paper that we’re all part of the Red Cross Movement, but it’s truly inspiring to witness this partnership in action. Together, we can make a very real difference for people facing incredible need.”