How the Church is Helping Ukraine and It's Victims

The war in Ukraine has affected every country in Europe. The poor decisions of Putin have affected his own country as well as all his neighbors. Living in Riga, we have learned thousands of Russians have been living in Latvia for decades. In fact, we attend church with the Russian congregation and have met many wonderful people from Russia and Ukraine. Everyone we know would like the war to end and would like peace to prevail. Sadly, the war has caused millions to flee Ukraine and their lives are in chaos.

A few people back home have asked about Ukraine. How is LDS Charities (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) helping Ukraine and those left homeless because of the war?

We can share that LDS Charities is very active in humanitarian relief efforts that helps hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians. Many projects are directly targeted for Ukraine and the refugees who are now part of a growing vulnerable population. All emergency response projects require tremendous amounts of money including food, clothing, medical equipment, supplies, and shelter.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), up to 13 million people are estimated to be stranded in affected areas or unable to leave Ukraine due to heightened security risks, health problems, or caring for others.

With the winter season upon us and cold temperatures dropping as low as negative 20 degrees Celsius; millions of Ukrainians are at risk of winter hazards due to living in substandard conditions or without sufficient personal insulation or access to heating.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been responding with emergency funding to distribute hot meals, food kits, and safe clean water; also donating hundreds of thousands of pounds of non-food items including thermal underwear, boots, coats, sleeping bags, heaters, hygiene kits, diapers, and generators.

A shortage of supplies and supply chain routes has been disrupted and continues to be a major problem for Ukraine. Most recently Russia’s attack on power plants, heating sources, and infrastructure has been crippled.

Medical institutions and the professionals, who staff them, are working under traumatic situations as explosives have damaged hospitals and medical facilities.

The Church has provided funding for reconstruction to medical buildings including structural frame work, roofs, windows, and plumbing. The Church purchased much needed medical equipment hospital beds, ventilators, traction equipment; imaging machines such as x-ray and ultrasound, surgical operating tables, and patient monitors. Medicine and first aid supplies have been donated in massive amounts.

With all these ongoing projects dealing with the vulnerable population and emergency response in Ukraine, and around the world, I am grateful to be part of a church that works with other worldwide organizations to help with the suffering of millions. The funds to support such efforts are possible because church members donate to humanitarian funds in a generous way. 

Please know that, as an eyewitness, your giving allows the Church to continue to help those in need throughout the world.