The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is scaling-up operations to deploy humanitarian assistance for children and families displaced by the war in Ukraine. The relief agency has launched a fundraising campaign to strengthen programs for refugees from Ukraine and other global communities.
According to the United Nations, about 100,000 Ukrainians have been forced to flee from their homes. More than 5 million people are expected to seek refuge in other countries, including the U.S.
“ADRA calls for peace and the protection of the millions of people impacted by the crisis in Ukraine. Join us in prayer for the safety and wellbeing of tens of thousands of children and families who are in harm’s way, are and will be displaced,” says Michael Kruger, ADRA president. “We are taking measures to ensure the protection of our staff on the ground and working with trusted partners and the Adventist Church to ensure our humanitarian aid can quickly reach those in need.”
“ADRA is closely monitoring the situation on the ground. There are refugees on the move inside of Ukraine leaving the cities under attack. Many have already crossed the border into Poland or are now making their way to Slovakia, Hungary, and nearby countries,” says Mario Oliveira, ADRA director for emergency management. “Adventist Church volunteers from those regions are helping us to distribute food, water, hygiene supplies. In Romania, we are already providing shelter to refugees in youth centers and church buildings and expect to accommodate hundreds of families.”
ADRA will also supply welcome packages with clothes, basic needs, and cash vouchers since banks in Ukraine have suspended operations. ADRA plans to provide long-term psychological counseling support and other health care services to the vulnerable population residing in isolated settlements.
To learn more about ADRA’s response or make donations to assist with relief efforts in Ukraine and around the world, visit ADRA.org.
Information supplied by Iris Argueta for ADRA on Feb. 26, 2022.
UPDATE: February 28, 2022
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency has joined efforts with Hope Channel International, Inc. to mobilize relief for the people of Ukraine. The international humanitarian agency of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will work closely with HCI and Hope Channel Ukraine to deliver emergency supplies for displaced families, children, and individuals in the war-torn nation.
According to the United Nations, several children and nearly 400,000 civilians have lost their lives, and more than 368,000 Ukrainians have fled their homes and crossed the border into neighboring countries since the ongoing conflict began on February 24. (*These numbers are likely to change as the hostilities continue.)
“ADRA is grateful to work with Hope Channel International, Inc. to support the vulnerable people of Ukraine in this crisis. We stand together with our shared values and commitment to doing God’s work to garner vital relief for the tens of thousands of families in dire need of essential life-saving provisions,” says Michael Kruger, ADRA president. “Our partnership will also ensure ADRA, and Hope Channel staff and volunteers in the area, are prepared to serve communities ravaged by this monumental emergency. Let’s continue to pray for their safety as they engage in this crucial mission.”
“Our team at Hope Channel International, Inc. is privileged to partner with ADRA as we deliver packages and messages of hope to our brothers and sisters in Eastern Europe. Thank you for your generous support and continued prayers,” says Derek Morris, Hope Channel International president.
ADRA and Hope Channel International, Inc. have deployed additional emergency personnel to the region to coordinate logistics and purchase supplies, including food, hygiene items, and clothing for the displaced people amassing on the border. ADRA workers, university student volunteers who relocated to area youth camps, and Hope Channel Ukraine staff will help distribute the food and provisions. Hope Channel Ukraine has been part of the global HCI network and broadcasting in the Eastern European nation since 2009.
Information supplied by Iris Argueta for ADRA.
