Development and Peace — Caritas Canada has been raising emergency funds for Ukraine since the beginning of the war, which has displaced over 12 million Ukrainians (around 7 million internally and 5 million to neighbouring countries). This money has not only been helping our Caritas partners in Ukraine and neighbouring countries meet the humanitarian relief needs of fleeing and isolated Ukrainians, but will also eventually be used to support recovery and reconstruction projects.
Regarding the humanitarian relief operations, Caritas-Ukraine and Caritas-SPES Ukraine alone have already provided food, water, temporary housing, clothing, toiletries, medical care, childcare, psychosocial support and other urgently needed goods and services to over 670,000 vulnerable Ukrainians.
Peace must be given a chance. Armed conflict and violence are not the solution. Human lives must be safeguarded and human dignity upheld. — Aloysius John, Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis
As the main frontline shifts to the east, some of the displaced are now returning home to western and central parts of the country. At the same time, information has only recently come out about a March 15 attack on the Caritas centre in Mariupol, in the south-east, killing seven people, including two staff members. To their families and our colleagues, we express our deepest condolences. It is therefore with renewed fervour that we are planning to assist recovery and reconstruction efforts in the coming months as the displaced continue to return home to certain areas.
So far, we have raised over $1.1 million for humanitarian relief operations, as well as future recovery and reconstruction projects, and the figure keeps rising!
Thank you to all for your generosity and support, and please join us in praying that the peace negotiations are successful.
About Development and Peace
Development and Peace — Caritas Canada is the official international development organization of the Catholic Church in Canada. It works in partnership with local organizations in over 30 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Middle East to create greater justice in the world and to act in solidarity with the most vulnerable people.
For more information, contact:
Emma Harries
Communications and Public Relations Advisor
Development and Peace — Caritas Canada
514 257-8710, ext. 318 | eharries@devp.org
