The looming winter in Ukraine promises to be “the worst winter since the independence of Ukraine,” according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. In response to this challenge, the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America has launched a new fundraising initiative, “Keep Ukraine Warm,” to raise $500,000 for winter relief items (clothes, blankets, sleeping bags), wood-burning stoves, and window repairs in Ukrainian homes.
With Russia continuing to target critical infrastructure in Ukraine, many families find themselves living in homes without heat or electricity. Russian attacks have inflicted considerable damage on civilian infrastructure, leaving many homes with broken windows and doors; people have also lost all their possessions, including warm winter clothes. The funds are needed to prepare at-risk communities, especially children and the elderly, as temperatures in the coming months drop to as low as -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).
The Ukrainian National Women’s League of America has been working actively with our partners on the ground to bring humanitarian aid to Ukraine since February 24, 2022. For the Keep Ukraine Warm campaign, the UNWLA has partnered to deliver aid with, among others, AICM and Caritas Ukraine.
“Winter is a true test of survival for a population already under siege,” says UNWLA president Natalie Pawlenko. “For our vulnerable sisters and brothers, the freezing temperatures are yet another battle they have to fight in order to survive. We need to help them fight – and win – this battle.”
The Keep Ukraine Warm campaign began October 19 and runs through December 19, 2022. Contributions may be made to UNWLA via a link on Facebook, with a credit card using PayPal (select “Keep Ukraine Warm” from the dropdown menu), or by check (please follow these instructions). All available options are listed on our website at unwla.org/donate.
