UKRAINE - ONE YEAR LATER
It’s been almost a year, and the conflict rages on.
Although the recent security situation in our Ukrainian sites has been relatively stable, families and site staff continue to struggle with frequent air raid sirens and lengthy power outages. Additionally, families must try to cope with the ongoing hardships of lost wages and increases in the cost of almost everything.
Families are adapting to living with frequent power outages. However, families in smaller villages and rural areas experience much longer outages than residents of larger towns. Flashlights and candles are always nearby.
Despite the hardships faced by staff and families, all our sponsor sites in Ukraine have received their quarterly funds and Regional Assistance Funds.
“Under the circumstances, the Chalice sponsorship program, and the sponsors’ consideration and care, have become outstandingly precious and vitally important support for the families of the sponsored children”, writes Luba, the Ternopil sponsor site director. She knows how the conflict in Ukraine has impacted the children and families in their site.
"Sponsored families’...income dropped significantly due to the consequences of the warfare ... Very many have lost their jobs due to closure of businesses, or the work hours have been decreased. Salaries in municipal institutions and budget organizations have been reduced by a third. Sponsored families are experiencing a significant shortage of monetary resources because of dramatic increases in prices on foods, medicine, transport, and practically everything,” Luba adds.
Roman, Natalya, and Ulyana experienced this, too. Their father, Ihor, lost his job because of the war.
“We lost income, whereas prices went up,” their mother, Nadiya, writes. Which is why “I want to express my sincere gratitude to Chalice for the unanticipated funding you have provided to us.”
She is referring to the Ukraine Regional Assistance Fund – the emergency relief funds Chalice was able to send to every family, thanks to your support. The site staff has continually ensured that families could access their bank accounts, even if they fled the country. Thanks to your donations to the Ukraine Regional Assistance Fund over the past year, and the matching donations of a supporter, each of the 4,518 families has received about $220(USD) to buy essentials.
“We took this support as a gift from Heaven,” Nadiya writes. “Thanks to the funds, my daughters Natalya and Ulyana have bought textbooks, school supplies, and footwear. Roman has got a backpack, sneakers, and a sports suit.”
“Good deeds do not go unnoticed - they shine like beacons to those who are waiting for help,” Nadiya adds. “By providing help in this difficult time for all of us, you give not just material objects, but give hope that together we will overcome any difficulties. May your kindness and generosity return to you a hundredfold.”
A generous Chalice supporter has pledged a $500,000 gift-matching donation towards our continuing efforts in support of Ukraine. 100% of the funds collected for our Ukraine Regional Assistance Fund will go directly to the bank accounts of the sponsored families and staff we work directly within Ukraine. This fund is being used for urgent needs but is not limited to heating supplies, food, or medication. Our goal is to support each of our 4,518 sponsored families with another $300 one-time gift towards their urgent needs. The total amount needed to accomplish this goal is $1,355,400.00.