Winter is hitting war-torn Ukraine with full force. The “Krone” spoke to a helper on the spot.
The winter months and the war, especially the attacks on the energy supply, are a challenge for many Ukrainian refugees. To offer people support, the CARE organization has started a number of aid projects. To get a picture of the situation on the ground, aid worker Sarah Easter traveled to Lviv and Ivano-Frankivsk in western Ukraine. She also spoke to families about their fate and how they are dealing with the current situation.
Football stadium and train station as emergency shelter
One of the biggest problems is the often missing power supply. “Every time we came into the shelters, there was no electricity. That is why the heaters fail more often, because some parts of the heating system only work on electricity,” says Easter. At the moment, many people still have to leave their homes and are housed in emergency shelters. According to the aid worker, this is especially critical in winter. refugees have to live in train stations, football stadiums and office buildings that are not suitable for living in,” Easter explains.
Generators were installed in the cities to be prepared for power outages. In addition, blackouts are now part of everyday life, and “people have become accustomed to them. And solutions found: flashlights, candles, blankets. When the lights go out, get candles and just keep going.
There are also several heating chambers in the city. There it is possible to charge and warm up the mobile phone. According to the aid worker, wood stoves are used for heating.
How can help be provided from Austria?
Of course every donation helps. But behind donations in kind often hides a lot of effort for the intermediaries. These would require a lot of resources: the items would have to be stored, washed and sorted before they can be handed over to people. The organization is therefore particularly grateful for monetary donations. “Financial donations are passed on immediately. So that people can decide for themselves what they need most.”
CARE also offers psychological help. Sarah Easter describes an encounter with a woman with a newborn: “When the baby was born, there was no electricity in the hospital and few doctors. The woman was released onto the street twelve hours after giving birth.”
The CARE projects can provide the necessary support in Ukraine and help many refugees.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
