Help Ukrainian refugees.

Russia’s unlawful invasion of Ukraine is an unspoken tragedy. The Russian military has repeatedly and continues to violate international human rights and humanitarian laws, which clearly state that civilians may never be the deliberate target of attacks. Instead, Russian troops are moving deeper into the country destroying and burning cities, towns, and villages to the roots. Constant bombing and airstrike attacks have led to widespread damage and destruction of infrastructure including homes, hospitals, shelters, and schools. Close to a million Ukrainians have become refugees in border countries in an effort to escape death and have had to leave absolutely everything behind. Those who can’t evacuate – elders, the sick, people with disabilities, and those who have decided to stay and protect what is left, are witnessing the everyday bloodshed.

Poland opened up its borders on the first day of the invasion. The journey to the Polish borders isn’t easy. Refugees face tough winter conditions with freezing temperatures, snow and rainfalls and worse of all: lack of food, water and first aid. Refugees are often end up walking 2-3 days on foot before they reach safety. Children, carried in fainting arms, often make it sick, feverish, and exhausted.

There are 100,000 refugees crossing Polish borders daily. In the 8th day of the war, Poland has already accommodated over 0.6 million people. The country’s mass mobilization and emergency response was immediate. Numerous town buildings are being turned into shelters. Restaurants, businesses, and individuals are offering free food and water. Various civil organizations are continuously providing much needed hygienic products and medicine. The increasing number of refugees is hardly manageable. Shortages of pain killers, fever reducers, band-aids, and antibiotics have already been reported by Polish border cities and various shelters.

What once seemed to be a manageable crisis is now a full-blown humanitarian emergency, which cannot be properly addressed without significant international support. The Polish nation has demonstrated readiness and determination. Their mobilization was immediate, the help is there, but the number of those in need is surging by the minute. The scale of this humanitarian crisis is increasing.

The Polish community in the Boston is collecting funds to provide urgent support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland who are being supported by Polish citizens and humanitarian organizations. These organizations have been at the borders transporting people; receiving those affected by the war; providing logistical support; organizing shelters, food and medicine; and providing everyday care for Ukrainian refugees. They have proven many times that no cry for help will go unheard.

All proceeds from this fundraiser will go directly to Caritas Polska, the biggest Polish humanitarian organization, working on the ground to support Ukrainian refugees.

Your support is needed in addressing this humanitarian disaster. Every dollar counts and can make a difference.