We wanted to take a moment to update you, our generous supporters and volunteers, on the work we’ve been able to do–and continue to do–in response to the crisis in Ukraine.
Within hours of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Carry the Future’s response team immediately sprung into action. In a rapidly changing environment, we identified two long-term partners of Carry the Future that were scaling up programs to meet vital needs of refugees from Ukraine. We specifically prioritized communities on the border and in neighboring countries like Moldova that were receiving limited support. In the span of a few weeks, Carry the Future deployed over $7,500 to provide life-saving aid including food, water, diapers and hygiene supplies.
And that was just the beginning.
Through your generosity, Carry the Future has raised an astounding $25,000, which will provide long-term funding to our partners–a commitment that is vital due to the nature of conflict. In parallel, we are continuing to seek out effective ways to work with new partners, ensuring that your donations go to meet critical needs of refugee families.
In addition to funding programs to support refugees from Ukraine, Carry the Future is a founding member of the Ukraine NGO Coordination Network (“UNCN”), a coalition of over 32 NGOs and non-profits providing humanitarian assistance and evacuation support in Ukraine. Our participation in UNCN provides us real-time insights and updates on the rapidly changing nature of needs both in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
In case you missed some of our recent posts on social media, we wanted to share a brief snapshot of two of the projects your donations have supported from our partners Refugee Support Europe and Refugee Biriyani and Bananas.
Carry the Future has partnered with Refugee Support Europe since 2016 in Greece, Cyprus, Bangladesh, and now Moldova. Refugee Support’s model is based on extending dignity and autonomy to refugee families through a Dignity Shop. Refugees are provided tokens that they can use to select food, hygiene items, and other items of aid according to their preference. In addition, Refugee Support Europe prioritizes purchasing aid through local businesses, thereby supporting local economies.
Since the Dignity Centre in Chisinau opened at the end of March, Refugee Support Europe has helped 6,699 people, mainly women, children, and the elderly. Currently, the Dignity Center provides support to approximately 1,400 people per week.
Carry the Future has provided $5,000 to the Dignity Center, used primarily to purchase diapers, wipes, and baby items.
We loved seeing recent photos of the children’s play corner, which was created to give children fun activities to engage in while their parents and caregivers shop.
We are also fortunate to be able to provide $2,500 in rapid food support to refugees on the Poland border, and in nearby villages in Ukraine in the weeks immediately following the Russian invasion. Our partner, Refugee Biriyani & Bananas, mobilized on the ground quickly and provided food and juice to those arriving at the border, but also those living in nearby villages in Ukraine who lacked access to food.
From the entire Carry the Future team, we thank you for your continued support and encouragement. Because of your generosity, we can continue to show up for refugee families around the world.