How Sun readers’ kind donations are still making a big difference in Ukraine
THE conflict in Ukraine shows no sign of abating.
Since the horror began unfolding more than four months ago, big-hearted Sun readers have responded by donating in their droves to our Ukraine Fund with the British Red Cross.
Your money helped the aid organisation’s immediate response, handing vital supplies to fleeing refugees, providing shelter and helping establish vital infrastructure such as water systems.
Here, a senior figure in the British Red Cross, recently back from a visit to Ukraine and Poland, explains how your money is STILL making a big difference . . .
"I WANT to thank Sun readers for their generosity in giving money to the Ukraine Fund.
Using your donations, the International Red Cross has helped provide medical supplies, health facilities, water supplies, food, warm drinks and shelter.
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The destruction which happened in Ukraine was swift and devastating.
That means we are faced with a really long job.
This conflict is proving to be open-ended.
Even if it ended tomorrow, we would still be expecting to support Ukrainians for the next three to four years.
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This is why your money has been so important.
People are physically injured but also psychologically traumatised.
Those outside the main conflict areas have had to support huge numbers of people coming into their homes and communities, and that is also a lot to cope with.
We are really worried about this winter.
People are still sleeping in converted schools.
In September the hope is to reopen schools closed due to Covid, which will mean there will be another wave of displaced people who need somewhere to go.
People don’t have fuel or electricity, buildings are destroyed and the income of Ukraine has plummeted by 45 per cent.
Fuel which previously came in via the Black Sea can’t get through.
In the UK we have already seen the effect of the cost-of-living crisis, just imagine the effect in the already devastated Ukraine.
This is a chronic situation but your money has been so valuable.
While I was in Ukraine I was truly humbled and inspired by the work of Ukrainian Red Cross workers and volunteers.
Many had become volunteers to help others after fleeing their own homes.
One woman I spoke to, Oleksandra, said that in the immediate aftermath of the Russian Invasion on February 24 she was in total shock.
However, she then took strength from the fact she was a Red Cross leader, and in knowing her job was to provide help to other people who had been displaced.
She said she was most proud of mobilising a health team, providing temporary accommodation in schools and finding host families.
As the conflict continues, we have moved from handing out food and hot drinks — still important at shelters —, towards using donations to put cash in people’s hands, via pre-loaded cards.
This gives them the means to help themselves, to get back on their feet with dignity.
We have also found providing refugees with sim cards for mobile phones can help families reconnect.
Many elderly and vulnerable people were unable to flee.
People are so desperately worried about relatives left behind.
Our programme Restoring Family Links helps track down missing relatives, using our network around the world.
The British Red Cross has also supported many Ukrainian refugees who have come to Britain to live with host families.
We have given advice and support to around 7,000 people arriving here.
Again, often people need something as simple as a sim card.
We give them pre-loaded cards to help them get themselves set up.
The donations by Sun readers have been inspiring.
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The cost-of-living crisis is tough, so for people to think of those in other places at this time shows the best in people.
We want to take this chance to thank them."
Help those fleeing conflict with The Sun’s Ukraine Fund
PICTURES of women and children fleeing the horror of Ukraine’s devastated towns and cities have moved Sun readers to tears.
Many of you want to help the five million caught in the chaos — and now you can, by donating to The Sun's Ukraine Fund.
Give as little as £3 or as much as you can afford and every penny will be donated to the Red Cross on the ground helping women, children, the old, the infirm and the wounded.
Donate to help The Sun's fund
Or text to 70141 from UK mobiles
£3 — text SUN£3
£5 — text SUN£5
£10 — text SUN£10
Texts cost your chosen donation amount (e.g. £5) +1 standard message (we receive 100%). For full T&Cs visit
The Ukraine Crisis Appeal will support people in areas currently affected and those potentially affected in the future by the crisis.
In the unlikely event that the British Red Cross raise more money than can be reasonably and efficiently spent, any surplus funds will be used to help them prepare for and respond to other humanitarian disasters anywhere in the world.
For more information visit