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The 'Ireland for Ukraine’ campaign aims to raise funds for the millions of people affected by the devastating conflict, including those who have been displaced. Half of the funds collected will be distributed to Trócaire, Concern, Irish Red Cross and UNICEF.
A mother and her toddler son supported by Caritas Poland on arrival at the border town of Budomierz this week: Credit Caritas Poland
The other half will be pooled into a fund for grant aid applications available to Irish organisations and local groups that will assist the anticipated 200,000 Ukrainian refugees expected to arrive in Ireland.
The high-profile campaign will feature across local and national radio, television, print and online media and will include a 30-second TV and radio advert voiced by ‘Derry Girls’ and ‘Holding’ actress Siobhan McSweeney.
Proceeds will be received by registered charity The Community Foundation for Ireland, who have 22 years’ experience in philanthropy and grant making.
Trócaire CEO, Caoimhe de Barra, welcomed the initiative saying the crisis is still unfolding and funds are desperately needed to support those trapped in the war zone and for those who have had to flee their homes to reach safety and shelter in nearby countries.
She said: “There are many challenges ahead and with the continuing generosity of the Irish people these challenges can be met. We are very grateful to the Community Foundation for Ireland and the Irish media for this important initiative.”
Trócaire is part of the worldwide Caritas Network, and has been supporting the Caritas Ukraine response since the outbreak of war.
In particular, the generosity of people across Ireland has helped fund the response of Caritas Poland and Caritas Romania which are providing extensive and urgent support to refugees fleeing the brutal assault on Ukraine. Poland has received the greatest number of Ukrainian refugees of any country, almost 2,500,000 while Romania has opened its arms to around 650,000 refugees.
With the help of people across Ireland, and the “Ireland for Ukraine” campaign, Trócaire will continue to support Caritas Ukraine, Caritas Poland and Caritas Romania and are currently finalising plans with Caritas Czech to support their work with Ukrainian refugees in the Czech Republic.
Since February 24, approximately 30 local Caritas centres and multiple parish communities have been actively responding to the devastating Ukraine crisis helping internally displaced families, and supporting those waiting to cross the borders to safety.
All Caritas field offices are involved in the response and are spread across every region in Ukraine, even in active warzones. Where offices must be closed due to hostilities, evacuated staff swiftly move on to help in other Caritas offices.
To date Caritas operations across Ukraine had helped approximately 320,000 people inside Ukraine, providing shelter, medical care, education and trauma support for children, and channelling 750 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including food, blankets, hygiene kits and medical supplies, where needed most.
Through its Caritas partners, funds from the ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ campaign will be used by Trócaire to provide supports such as:
