In New York, the Ukrainian Women of America Union has stepped up its humanitarian response to the winter crisis in Ukraine. Through its annual Keep Ukraine Warm campaign and local chapter initiatives, the organization is directing hundreds of thousands of dollars to support civilians, hospitals, and frontline communities.
This was report by the Ukrainian Women of America Union press service.
“As Russia continues to target civilians and critical energy infrastructure, we are expanding our humanitarian response to help Ukrainians survive the winter,” the organization said in a statement.
The key response tool is the UWA Social Welfare Fund, through which the annual Keep Ukraine Warm campaign is implemented. It launches in November and aims to help women, children, the elderly, hospitals, and communities near the frontline amid ongoing attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
In particular, this winter alone, thanks to the support of donors from across the United States, the UAA has already provided significant assistance to Ukraine. For example, $95,000 was allocated to partner organization Zemliachky to purchase winter uniforms and warm equipment for women who are protecting Ukraine on the front lines.
The organization also allocated $90,000 to purchase vital medical equipment and generators for hospitals through partners AICM, Initiative E+, and Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro.
In addition, $20,000 was distributed to 200 single elderly women across Ukraine on Christmas Eve to cover basic winter needs, and another $10,000 was allocated to Food Without Borders’ hot meal program in the most affected communities.
Read also: “Notes of Hope”: Charity Concert in Support of Ukraine to Be Held in New York
It is also noted that local branches of the Ukrainian American Women’s Union throughout the United States play an active role in providing assistance. In particular, Branch No. 113 in New York launched the “Notes of Hope” campaign, which combined an online auction and a charity concert. As a result, more than 50 thousand US dollars were raised to purchase portable ultrasound machines for maternity wards in Ukraine suffering from Russian bombing. The event included a concert by the world-famous Ukrainian pianist Pavlo Gintov, who performed works by Ukrainian composers. The musician has performed on leading stages around the world, including Carnegie Hall in New York, the Berlin Philharmonic, Teatro Verdi in Milan, and Kioi Hall in Tokyo, and is the winner of the First Prize of the Takamitsu International Piano Competition. And, of course, he is an active and ardent popularizer of Ukrainian classical music.
“Together with our chapters, members and supporters, we are doing everything we can to ensure that Ukrainians stay warm and are not forgotten. However, the humanitarian situation remains critical. We urge communities across the country to stay engaged by raising awareness, organizing local charitable events and supporting the UNWLA Social Welfare Fund so that we can continue to respond promptly to the most urgent needs in Ukraine,” said SWA President Natalia Pavlenko.
Photo: SWA
Author: Inna Mikhno