NEWS FEATURE
The Salvation Army responds to Russia and Ukraine crisis EASTERN EUROPE THE Salvation Army is responding rapidly to the urgent needs of displaced people who have been impacted by the unfolding Ukraine-Russia conflict, reports Lauren Westwood (IHQ Communications). Emergency response teams across The Salvation Army’s international network provide critical relief, strategic planning and emotional support through conditions of extreme challenge and distress. Salvationists in the Eastern Europe Territory have sprung into action, with initial relief operations currently being delivered in Moldova, Romania and Ukraine.
MOLDOVA The Salvation Army is supporting refugees from Ukraine through the provision of free temporary accommodation and access to wifi, made possible by officers, staff and the innovative use of Salvation Army buildings and facilities. Salvationists of all ages are bolstering these efforts by preparing and distributing hot meals, drinks and parcels containing essential items.
ROMANIA The Army has sent teams to work at border crossings in Siret and Isaccea, alongside other agencies and individuals, providing food and hygiene items for Ukrainian refugees. At the Siret ferry, these teams have been of particular support to women, children and older people. Assistance for displaced people is evident beyond the border work in Romania, with one mother and her two children transported to safety in Budapest from the cultural capital of Iași, solely through the aid of Salvation Army connections across Europe.
Romania
THE WIDER RESPONSE The Army’s wider response spans several other European countries. In Poland, relief parcels are being prepared for the anticipated arrival of 100,000 Ukrainian refugees per day. Damaris Frick and Captain Matthew Beatty, of International Emergency Services at IHQ, are planning with colleagues on the front line. Salvation Army teams in the Czech Republic and Slovakia are assessing and preparing vital aid for the flow of displaced people, with representatives meeting on a regular basis. Salvationists and friends around the world have responded to this crisis with an attitude of care, compassion and concern for their
HOW TO SUPPORT THOSE AFFECTED There are two ways of donating towards the Army’s relief work: O The UKI International Projects Office has set up an appeal page at salvationarmy.org.uk O For people raising funds locally through an event or challenge, visit justgiving.com/campaign/ TheSalvationArmyResponseinUkraine
UKRAINE In various locations across the country, particularly places near the border such as the city of Lviv, internally displaced people are being supported through the supply of food and other items. Corps and centres, including those in Vinnytsia and Dnipro, are ready to give help where needed. Such relief work, and other ongoing activities, is taking place on all sides of the border, with The Salvation Army in Russia providing essential items to those affected. 6
Salvationist 12 March 2022
brothers and sisters in Ukraine and Russia through prayer and, where possible, through financial donations. General Brian Peddle has contacted leaders to assure them of the deep support they have from ‘our international family’, which transcends borders and national identity. ‘Pray for peace in this troubled time,’ the General has prompted Salvationists. ‘Pray for the safety of those who are fleeing and for those who are already displaced; pray that there will be adequate hospitality from neighbour countries; for faith and courage for every Christian and especially for our people; and pray for the de-escalation of the battle so that the threat to life is no longer a reality.’
Moldova
If corps wish to set up their own JustGiving page to collect donations for the Ukraine crisis, please only do this with help from the events and fundraising team. Contact Ross on 020 7367 4819 or email challenge@ salvationarmy.org.
