Age International Ukraine appeal
Published on 10 March 2022 10:22 AM
With the conflict in Ukraine escalating in recent days, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and its member agencies, including Age International, have launched a humanitarian appeal to provide urgent assistance to those in need.
We've raised over £175 million in 2 weeks,making this the second-biggest since the DEC'sfirst appeal in 2004 for the Asian Tsunami.
Photograph by Dimitar Dikoff
The fighting has forced many thousands of people in Ukraine to flee their homes in search of safety and they urgently need supplies to meet their basic needs, such as food, water, and medical supplies as they are living in temporary accomodation. Older people are disproportionately affected, and for those that have been left behind, the situation is particularly dangerous.
Our existing aid networks can respond quickly
Age International has been working in Ukraine since 2014 through our partner, HelpAge, supporting around 5,000 older people affected by the conflict. This is now Europe’s largest refugee crisis since the Second World War and people urgently require essential supplies to meet their basic needs. Our existing work in the region means we are uniquely placed to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of older people affected by this crisis.
“If a war breaks out, the only place to hide is the cellar. There is a bomb shelter at the local school, but it is 4-5 km away from us.” Olga, 71
For older people who have been unable to flee, the situation is particularly perilous, leaving them isolated, without their families and cut off from the support they need. Older people are particularly vulnerable in conflict situations as mobility problems mean they are often not able to take shelter from danger.
Our local teams
We have a large team of staff and volunteers in Ukraine. They have faced shelling, and some have had to move to safer locations. Despite the situation, the team is dedicated to respond to the needs of older people and their families affected.
“Some locations where we work are no longer under the control of Ukraine. We are trying to find out what is happening with our volunteers, and if everything is okay with the older people we work with.” HelpAge International team member in Ukraine.
We are also working with our partners in neighbouring countries, such as Moldova, where many people have fled to safety, to understand how we can best support older people and their families who have escaped the conflict, over the coming weeks and months.
In crisis situations like this, older people are often amongst the most severely affected, yet are at high risk of being forgotten by the emergency relief efforts. Working with DEC member charities, we advocate for the inclusion of older people in humanitarian responses.
How you can help
Time is critical and it is essential that we act fast to save as many lives as possible, so please support our appeal by donating, helping us fundraise by setting up a Facebook fundraiser ( especially of you have a birthday coming up) or just spread the word through following and sharing our appeal posts on your social media networks.