Three years of bringing hope to Ukraine

Welcome back! For the month of February, we’ve covered topics from acts of kindness to planned giving, disaster response updates to serving opportunities — with the hopes of inspiring each one of us to stand in the gap and bring healing to our communities.?

Sometimes, helping others can span months, even years.

Three years ago this week marked the beginning of the Ukraine war. Convoy of Hope was there as it began and continues to deliver critical aid to millions of people impacted by the war. We’re also bringing you the latest updates on the devastating storms in the Southeast and incredible stories of resilience from Sudan.?

Thank you for continuing to be a part of this journey with us.

Let’s jump right in.?

Three years of war, three years of relief

Over the past three years, the people of Ukraine have endured constant missile strikes, crumbling infrastructure, and the loss of loved ones.

Since February 2022, Convoy of Hope has been on the ground delivering immediate relief supplies to displaced families.?

With the support of over 800 partners, including Flexport , Roma Boots , and the The Salvation Army , Convoy has been able to serve over 6.8 million people and distribute over 63 million meals to affected populations.

Joel Colon said, “You’re bringing them aid, but you’re also bringing them the idea that they’re not forgotten and that you want to help them. Emotionally, that is a huge thing for them.”

Convoy is also prioritizing winterization supplies — including generators, blankets, and more — along with hygiene kits to ensure these families can survive the harsh winter conditions.

As the war continues and the future is uncertain, Convoy of Hope remains committed to providing hope and relief.

Read the latest Digital Special Report for a captivating look at Convoy’s Ukraine response and support our relief efforts to Ukrainians at convoy.org/ukraine-three-year-anniversary/.convoyofhope.org/donate.

Southeast storms update

Convoy of Hope is also working with local partners in the Appalachian region who are walking through the devastating and life-altering effects of extreme flooding alongside winter weather.?

Over the weekend, essential supplies were delivered and distributed in several towns across West Virginia and Kentucky. Additional loads will be dispatched from the World Distribution Center over the next couple of days. Water and cleaning supplies are among the greatest needs.

In Richlands, Virginia, one of Convoy’s partners teamed up with the police department to distribute cleaning supplies, water, and hygiene products to hard-hit neighborhoods to help families begin the long road to recovery.?

Convoy remains committed to listening to the needs of those impacted and to ensuring that timely and appropriate support reaches them in the days ahead. We will continue to stand with these communities every step of the way.

Defying the odds

For years, Amonyi struggled to provide food, pay medical bills, and cover school fees, all while caring for her three children.

When she joined Convoy’s Women’s Empowerment group in South Sudan, she received vocational and financial training alongside other women starting their own businesses. The group also contributes to a fund to help more women start their own businesses, which provided her with the startup capital she needed.?

With the financial and emotional support from the women’s group, Amonyi is now running a successful business selling tomatoes, onions, green peppers, fish, soap, and sugar at the local market.

“I want to see my children highly educated and holding prestigious titles like doctors, teachers, nurses, agriculture specialists, and engineers to help save the nation,” she says. “I dream of a bigger store, a good house for my family, and a life free from poverty. I want to be the happiest mother.”

In no time, Amonyi was able to pay back her loan in full, demonstrating her determination to create a better future for her children.?

Learn more about Amonyi’s journey and read more stories like this on Convoy’s Women’s Empowerment page.

In honor of all women and girls around the world, Convoy of Hope is hosting an International Women’s Day Celebration on Thursday, March 13, at Convoy’s Global Headquarters. Grab your tickets for the event at convoyofhope.org/iwd. We hope to see you there!

That’s a wrap on this week’s Hope Makes It Happen! As you go, would you share this newsletter with your friends and co-workers? It gives more people the chance to get involved and make a difference. Thank you!