Some Helpful Resources & Suggestions to Help Ukraine

When everything else crumbles and we can not make sense of the World we live in, solidarity is hope.

In this context, I will dedicate today's article to share a few resources and suggestions to support Ukrainians in their fight for democracy, freedom and self-determination.

In the face of a tragedy of this scale, it's easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed but it's important to keep in mind that every little actions counts because in solidarity - it is the compounded sum of our actions that makes a difference. And therefore, everyone of us can make a difference, even if it is for a single individual or family.

Also, if you are overcome with sadness and fear, it helps to pay special attention to the beauty of humanity and how people come together to support and show solidarity, compassion and love.

Therefore, here is a small compilation of suggestions to support keeping in mind that every action - no matter how small - helps. If you are planning on donating goods such as clothing, please scroll down to the last section where I have compiled a few suggestions to optimise your donations based on my experience in Lesvos refugee camps sorting and handling donations.

How can you support?

Besides the obvious donations, here are a few other ways you can help:

1. Supporting Trustworthy Journalism: Mis/Disinformation is a political tactic widely at play, especially on social media. Make sure you research your information sources, especially before posting or sharing articles. In the first article below, you will find lists of trustworthy news outlets to follow (or even support with donations).
2. Support Refugees in your Community: there will be many arrivals of refugees in your community. Even if you can not offer space in your own home, see how else you can support, especially with integration and socialising. In addition, material goods and furniture may be needed for those lucky enough to find housing and many may actually be looking for work so keep an eye open for them.
3. Help Support Initiatives by Giving them Visibility: when you see initiatives or support groups on social media, help them make their posts more visibility by interacting with them, liking, commenting, sharing, etc.
4. Make your Voice Known: by joining or organising rallies in support of Ukraine and by reaching out to your parliament representatives to put pressure for measures and sanctions.

For more detailed suggestions of how you can help as well as organisations to whom you can donate, please refer to the articles below:

9 Meaningful Ways You Can Help Ukraine

You can help Ukraine against Russian aggression

Through the Noise - How to Help Ukraine

Russia’s war against Ukraine. What can you do to support Ukraine & Ukrainians? (Ukranian Institute London)

Real ways you can help Ukraine as a foreigner (supportukrainenow.org)

For those in Switzerland & Zürich region:

• Donate through Z Zurich Foundations - Until end of March, donations will be matched up to CHF 500,000 and will be split amongst the?International Rescue Committee, the?International Committee of the Red Cross - ICRC?and?Save the Children International. You can make your donation through this link.
• If you are in the Zürich region, you can support the initiative of Ron Orp Zürich coordinating between those who can offer shelter and refugees arriving on site. To offer shelter or donations, check the following link

A note about donations..

I?have also seen many people mobilising to collect donations. For having worked in the refugee camps on Lesvos sorting through containers of donations, I'd like to add a few pointers to ensure your donations are useful.

Whenever possible though, favour donating money over goods. Goods are extremely complex to manage especially second hand goods. They are not always aligned with the needs (think medication or finding the right article in the right size) plus storage and distribution are complicated. So here are ways you can optimise your donations:

-Make sure it is seasonal clothing and considering the condition of the end users (I've seen people sending high heels to the Lesvos refugee camps... people in camps mostly walk in the mud...)

-Ask the organisation collecting or better the organisation receiving on site what are their needs

-Ensure that what you send is well identified (e.g. clearly mark the size of shoes and clothing items and for kids list by age as size formats vary a lot)

-Sort items to facilitate handling (e.g. tie up shoes together or put them in a transparent bag)

-Send well marked boxes already sorted by gender and age (esp. for children clothing). For smaller donations, group items per gender / size into separate and well identified bags.

-If you are collecting donations, make sure you take over the sorting step which will save a lot of logistics at destination. The best is to align with the organisation receiving the items for their guidance but overall, the best rule is to group and pack items per gender, sort and size and to pack in bags or boxes that are well identified - on all sides. Think that your donations will likely end up in some sort of warehouse from where they will be distributed - they have to be easy to find and organise.

-Refrain from sending "extras" that the organisation on site does not need. This only clogs the warehouse and distribution.

-If you feel extra generous with your donations, add a little envelop in the pocket of the pants or jacket and put some money in it. Even a small sum can make a HUGE difference for the person receiving it. It could mean being able to call a loved one or getting a pacifier for a cranky baby or toddler.

-The following donations can be very useful though check with the agency on the ground before sending: basic hygiene products (esp. women hygiene and diapers), baby formula, medication and first aid supplies, warm clothing, blankets and sleeping bags. There may also be a need for baby carriers (backpack type) as people are fleeing but really ask on the ground before sending.