Homes, schools, hospitals, water installations, power plants: nothing in Ukraine is spared under rocket attacks and bombings by the Russians. Many Ukrainians have now fled. Many women and children leave, men stay behind to fight. Diaconate CGK is helping the refugees, especially in Hungary, where some 500,000 are staying. 'This emergency aid is needed unabated,' says diaconal counsellor Erjan van der Linde. 'Diaconates might consider holding another collection for this.'
Fierce and gripping
Emergency aid coordinator Hielke Zantema: 'I was at the Hungarian border, where thousands of refugees cross the border every day, especially women and children. They tell fierce stories of bombings and being forced to leave their husbands and fathers behind. They did not see it coming: not this, not on this scale and not in this terrible way. These are stories that move me. But I must get to work, because there is work to do. Offering help gives hope. It's the least I - what we - can do.'
Cash transfers for the most vulnerable
With partners on the ground, diaconate CGK helps refugees on site. How. For some time, giving cash transfers via a credit on a credit card has proved to be a good way. Monthly, the most vulnerable displaced people receive a credit that they can withdraw in Ukraine or one of the neighbouring countries. Single mothers with children are given priority, as are the elderly and families with more than three children. It turns out that this is how refugees are helped with basic necessities through the local middle class. Then supply lines are short, local people are involved in the assistance and contacts are quickly established. An additional advantage is that refugees can make choices in the interests of their families.
Thank you very much for your support
Please join us in praying for those affected and for the relief workers. Donations can be transferred to IBAN NL52 INGB 0000 5353 00 in the name of the National Church Office with reference to Ukraine relief or - in the case of an action in your congregation for this relief project - to the account number of your deaconess. Thank you very much!
