SUMMER 2022
INSIDE
UKRAINE Millions of Meals & Emergenc y Supplies Are Keeping Hope Alive
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Contents The Day the World Changed
Ukrainians saw their world shattered on February 24.
SUMMER 2022
1 Convoy Drive, Springfield, MO 65802 Hope Quarterly is published by Convoy of Hope. Published: Summer 2022 ©2022 Convoy of Hope
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Editor-in-Chief | Roger Flessing
The Relief Effort
Read the highlights of the work taking place inside Ukraine and seven other countries in Eastern Europe.
Photographers | Clayton Gilligan, Jess Heugel, Christian Lamb, Joe Mason & Simon Reinemo
The Need: How Far Does Your Dollar Go?
Webmaster | Jess Heugel
Creative Director | Josh Carter Designers | Aaron Davis, Leah Kiser & Misty Olivera
There are many ways to offer help and hope to the people of Ukraine. Board of Directors
The New Reality
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Content Editors | Levi Costello, Alyssa Everett & Morgan Mills
Reporters | Sara Forhetz & Destin Harrison
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Editor | Scott Harrup Managing Editor | Lindsay Donaldson-Kring
For many displaced Ukrainians like Valerie and her children, the future is uncertain.
Dr. Aaron Cole, Court Durkalski, Telvin Jeffries, Dr. Brad Trask, Dominick Garcia, Dr. Tom Carter, Lindsay Howard, Dr. Sam Huddleston, Randy Hurst, Cheryl Jamison, Klayton Ko, Kay Logsdon, Rich Nathan, Tom Rankin, Sherilynn Tounger, Kirk Yamaguchi & Hal Donaldson (President) Feedback | editor@convoyofhope.org Website | convoyofhope.org Twitter | @convoyofhope Facebook | /convoyofhope
The Future: Convoy of Hope’s Long-Term Strategy
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Convoy of Hope has a plan to help Ukraine recover, but your help is needed.
Postmaster | Send address changes to: Hope Quarterly 1 Convoy Drive, Springfield, MO 65802
On the Cover: (AP Photo/Oleksandr Ratushniak) Convoy of Hope is reaching into Ukraine’s war zone with help and hope.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
We’re Staying T
he tragedy in Ukraine has monopolized news outlets since February. We’ve been working in Europe for more than 20 years, so rest assured that Convoy of Hope is committed to staying and serving families displaced from their homes. We are pledging to provide 50 million meals in response to this crisis. The stories and images coming from our team in Ukraine and Eastern Europe are heart wrenching: Millions of refugees are seeking shelter, children are separated from their parents, and there is a scarcity of food and basic living supplies. Because of the quick and generous response of individuals, churches, corporations, and civic groups, we were able to begin meeting needs immediately. We established distribution centers in Ukraine, Poland, and Romania. From these hubs, we are distributing millions of meals and emergency supplies to eight Eastern European countries. Ten warehouses are being resourced in Ukraine alone.
This is a united act of compassion. We owe a special thanks to the corporations that have delivered more than 120 large containers filled with food, medicine, clothing, and emergency supplies — utilizing ships, cargo planes, trucks, and more. In addition, dedicated team members, partners, and volunteers are working tirelessly to deliver supplies to communities throughout Ukraine and provide aid to refugees streaming across multiple borders. With your support, we will continue to keep hope alive for months and years to come. Thank you for demonstrating kindness and linking arms with the people of Ukraine. May God bless you for caring and giving to people in need.
Gratefully,
Hal Donaldson President, Convoy of Hope
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(AP Photo/Oleksandr Ratushniak)
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On
February 24, Russian soldiers and tanks crossed Ukraine’s border, while airstrikes and explosives hit targets in major cities. Fleeing the battle zones, millions of refugees poured into neighboring countries, including Slovakia, Poland, Moldova, and Hungary. Convoy of Hope’s relief workers and global network of partners immediately mounted a massive response effort, meeting human need in eight countries. The first distribution center was established in Lublin, Poland, to serve as a hub for outreach in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. Trucks, cargo planes, and ships began delivering dozens of large shipping containers filled with food, medicine, tents, sleeping bags, hygiene kits, and more.
(AP Photo/Michael Kappeler)
Within hours of the invasion, Convoy’s relief teams reported long lines at grocery stores and gas stations. And, as refugees migrated west, many were forced to sleep in the streets amid the rubble. Churches, cafés, and subway stations were transformed into temporary shelters. Roads and bridges were destroyed in some areas, but relief supplies continued to be distributed throughout Ukraine. Sometimes they were shipped in trucks, but often supplies were sent in smaller, unmarked vehicles so as not to draw attention. “Through our years of disaster relief experience,” President Hal Donaldson said, “our teams have learned to adjust to each situation. The bottom line is our teams and partners are getting the job done. People are receiving much-needed help.” Nick Wiersma, Convoy’s vice president of Disaster Services, said, “We’re committed to being in the region for the long haul. We’re building more relationships and infrastructure so we can continue to meet needs long after the war is over. When people lose everything, they need to know someone cares.”
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The Relief Effort Relief Projections With the help of churches, corporations, civic groups, and individuals, Convoy of Hope has committed to providing 50 million meals to the people of Ukraine.
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Po
Austria
oland Ukraine Slovakia
Moldova
Hungary
Romania Bulgaria
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THE RELIEF EFFORT
Ukraine Convoy of Hope and partners are delivering food, water, medical supplies, clothing, and basic resources to more than 60 communities, utilizing a network of 10 warehouses across Ukraine. In addition, hot meals and transportation are being provided to women and children attempting to leave the country.
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(AP Photo/Vadim Ghirda)
THE RELIEF EFFORT
A 26,000-square-foot distribution center was established in Lublin, Poland. This warehouse is a key resource center for supplies entering Ukraine. Convoy will also support partners operating a second warehouse in Warsaw. Scan here to learn more about Convoy’s response in Poland. Be sure to watch the video below the highlighted date.
Poland “Thank God for Convoy of Hope. This is an organization that really takes care of people. They really cry — they are with us.” —Ukrainian refugee and volunteer 9
THE RELIEF EFFORT
Convoy of Hope is partnering with organizations to provide food, water, shelter, and more to thousands of Ukrainian refugees who fled the war into Romania. Additionally, food and emergency supplies are being transported across the border into communities within Ukraine. Supplies are being distributed in major cities in Romania, such as Suceava — where Convoy is resourcing a partner’s warehouse. In Ukraine, supplies are delivered to bordering communities like Chernivtsi and being trucked as far as Kharkiv, one of the epicenters of the war.
Romania “The thing you feel for the first three days [after leaving] is relief. You don’t hear bombing. Your child is safe. But then it passes, and sadness comes — such sadness that you understand [your old] life will never return.”
Scan here to learn more about Convoy’s response in Romania.
—Irina, Ukrainian refugee
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THE RELIEF EFFORT
“My home is in Kyiv, so I have no home anymore. That’s not easy. That’s my country. That’s my people. It’s not easy to hear all of these horrible things and not to see my family for three or four months. Now I don’t know if I will see them in the future.” —Andrew, Ukrainian volunteer
Hungary Scan here to learn more about Andrew’s story.
Convoy of Hope and local partners are providing food, hygiene supplies, and shelter to 330 people each day among Ukrainian Roma refugees in the border town of Tiszabecs.
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THE RELIEF EFFORT
Slovakia In Slovakia, Convoy of Hope and partners are providing groceries and relief supplies to nearly 5,000 refugees in the towns of Sabinov and Pavlovce nad Uhom, and in the city of Košice. In Sabinov, a community center is being used to provide housing and warm meals to Ukrainian Roma refugees. In Pavlovce nad Uhom, rented motel rooms are providing shelter. Church partners in Košice are providing buildings, volunteers, and resources.
Moldova “When the war began, it really had a profound impact on my heart. I just wanted to do something to help. I’m just so thankful to be here with Convoy of Hope. The work that Convoy and all the other organizations are working together on is monumental.” —Olga, Ukrainian volunteer 12
Convoy is resourcing partners with food, who are sending it to families hosting refugees. Care packages are being delivered to Ukrainians at various bus stations. Scan here to learn more about Olga’s story.
THE RELIEF EFFORT “We are safe, we are warm, and I am so grateful to God that volunteers dedicate their time and open their hearts. It’s wonderful.” —Valia, who escaped to Poland with her 1-year-old grandson
Scan here to learn more about Valia’s story, located below March 4.
Bulgaria
Boxes of groceries, hygiene items, clothes, and kitchen supplies are being provided through partners to refugee families coming across the border.
Alongside partners, Convoy is serving about 5,000 refugees in Vienna, mostly women and children. Teams are providing meals, clothing, internet access, and food vouchers to refugees who are transitioning through the area. They are also providing them with a place to rest, hot meals, fuel, clothes, and food for travel.
Austria 13
THE NEED
The World Distribution Center receives resources from across the U.S. for the journey to European warehouses, which also receive local inventory.
Convoy of Hope personnel, as well as some priority cargo, reach European relief sites quickly by air.
Relief supplies travel across oceans in shipping containers — arriving in continents like Europe to help people in need.
Convoy’s U.S. drivers move product to key transportation hubs. Local drivers in Europe deliver to communities in need.
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MAKE A DONATION
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Your gift to the Crisis Relief Fund will send emergency aid to families in Ukraine and surrounding nations.
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Accountability and transparency are integral to everything Convoy of Hope does. From every purpose restricted donation, Convoy of Hope’s Board of Directors may allocate between 12% and 20% of that donation to cover its administrative and fundraising costs. If restricted donations exceed the need of the crisis, the capacity to respond to a crisis, or when local conditions prevent effective assistance, Convoy of Hope’s Board of Directors may allocate these funds to other worthy projects that help Convoy of Hope fulfill its global mission of helping children and families in need. A copy of Convoy of Hope’s annual audited financial statement is available at convoyofhope.org/financials.
State Nonprofit Disclosures Certain states require written disclosures for nonprofit organizations soliciting contributions. Individual state disclosures are listed here. Florida: A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free, within the state, 1-800-435-7352 (800-HELP-FLA), or visiting www. FloridaConsumerHelp.com. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. Florida Registration #CH23220. Georgia: A full and fair description of our programs and our financial statement summary is available at https://www.convoyofhope.org/about/financials or upon request at 417-823-8998. Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage, from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401. Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Convoy of Hope may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State's office by calling 1-888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement. Nevada: Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to the provisions of sec. 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C. ī170(c). New Jersey: Information filed with the attorney general concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey by calling (973) 504-6215 and is available on the internet at www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charfrm.htm. Registration with the attorney general does not imply endorsement. New York: Upon request, from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, 1-212-416-8686 or www. charitiesnys.com. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-919-814-5400. The license is not an endorsement by the state. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Convoy of Hope may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: From the State Office of Consumer Affairs in the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: From the Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483 or http://www.sos.wa.gov/charities/. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. Wisconsin: A financial statement of the charitable organization disclosing assets, liabilities, fund balances, revenue and expenses for the preceding fiscal year will be provided to any person upon request. Registration with a state agency does not constitute or imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by that state.
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The New Reality A
ir raid sirens blare through many cities in Ukraine, with countless families barricaded in bomb shelters.
“We were sleeping on other people’s mattresses in pitch darkness,” Valerie* said, describing the basement she used as a bomb shelter. “Our phones were used mostly as flashlights, but we conserved the batteries like they were air in the enclosed space. Mostly, [we sat in complete silence] holding onto our children.”
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“There was no light or gas in almost the entire Kyiv region,” Valerie said. “For those in private homes, that meant the water pump will not work. We had no water to drink. We were just glad that we were alive, but our hope was dying fast.” To escape the onslaught, many women like Valerie packed a suitcase and led their children toward the border. Meanwhile, their husbands and sons took up arms to defend their homeland.
THE NEW REALITY
‘We plan to be there meeting the needs of families long after the bombing stops and, hopefully, long after refugees return to their homes.’ — NICK WIERSMA, CONVOY OF HOPE
The route to freedom, for many refugees, is filled with the images of war. Roads are blocked by debris and lined with abandoned vehicles. Once thriving businesses and stores are now empty. Communities resemble ghost towns. Refugees like Valerie and her children often go an entire day without food and water. In response, Convoy of Hope is delivering large quantities of food and emergency supplies to evacuation routes and along the border of neighboring countries. “We plan to be there meeting the needs of families long after the bombing stops and, hopefully, long after refugees return to their homes,” said Vice President of Disaster Services Nick Wiersma. “But this relief and recovery effort will take all of us doing our part. Thus far, the outpouring of compassion has been inspiring.” According to Wiersma, the expression of generosity has come from around the world.
Churches have taken offerings and held prayer vigils. Corporations have donated funds and offered to transport goods. Civic groups and government officials have used their influence to open doors. And schools have mobilized their students to raise funds for the children of Ukraine. As one Ukrainian refugee said, “We will never forget the kindness of all those who came here to help.” *Name has been changed.
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The Future CONVOY OF HOPE'S LONG-TERM RECOVERY PLAN No one can be certain how the war in Ukraine will end, but undoubtedly there will be enormous need. Convoy of Hope’s long-term strategy includes:
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• Establishing centers of impact throughout Eastern Europe and Ukraine. • Securing land and developing leaders for agricultural and economic initiatives. • Implementing job training programs for women.
Scan here to learn more about Convoy of Hope’s agricultural response.
• Working with churches and schools to establish Children’s Feeding programming. • Supporting communities hosting refugee families by providing needed resources. • And more.
Thank you for your partnership and support! You are helping make this relief and recovery effort possible.
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Visit us online at: convoyofhope.org
Mail: 1 Convoy Drive Springfield, MO 65802-2213 P: (417) 823-8998 F: (417) 823-8244 Donations: P.O. Box 1125 Springfield, MO 65801
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Give online at convoy.org/helpukraine or scan the code below.
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