Solidarity with the Ukrainians is enormous in Switzerland. Alone at the lucky chain since the outbreak of war last week, more than 6 million francs in donations have been collected, and that Swiss Red Cross (SRK) had already collected CHF 750,000 by Monday afternoon. There are also numerous smaller and private organizations that want to help people. But what kind of help is best received in Ukraine? An overview.
What happens to the money I donated? Emergency shelters are now being built in neighboring countries to Ukraine, safe sleeping places are being set up, aid supplies are being distributed and medical care is being provided, says Elisabeth Karagiannis, communications officer at charity. At the moment, the aid organizations are primarily clarifying what is needed where. That will then be bought. “All of this is only possible thanks to donations.”
Anyone who donates money also helps the local economy. Because many of the required goods can be bought there cheaply.
According to spokeswoman Katharina Schindler, the Red Cross works with standardized packages. “We know from experience what is usually needed most in certain situations.” By donating money, you also help the local economy. Because many of the goods needed – such as blankets or warm clothes – could be bought there cheaply.
I would rather donate clothes than money. Does this make sense? Limited. The social media are full of calls to provide clothes or hygiene items, which should then be taken to the crisis area and neighboring countries. “This solidarity is beautiful and impressive,” says SRK spokeswoman Schindler. “But you have to be aware that a lot of goods come together in a very short time – and not just from Switzerland.” In other cases, the boxes had piled up in warehouses and had been left lying around. Donations in kind only make sense if you know exactly what is going to go where. In addition, the transport is expensive and complicated. “We do not rule out that donations in kind for Ukraine will make sense at another time,” says Elisabeth Karagiannis from Caritas. “Money donations are currently more effective and efficient.”
Can I also help on site? At the moment there is no way to send helpers on site, says Caritas. The approximately 1,000 employees of Caritas Ukraine would have to find out for themselves shortly after the war broke out where and what kind of help would be needed. The Red Cross does not send any volunteers to the crisis areas either, only specialists, such as logisticians, in a very targeted manner. In the Ukraine and in the neighboring countries, many employees and volunteers of the local Red Cross organizations are already in action. The volunteers would be trained, for example, in first aid or in carrying out evacuations.
I would like to take in refugees. Where should I report? The Swiss Refugee Aid (SFH) intends to launch a platform in the near future that will coordinate the placement of housing options for refugees from the Ukraine. “We are working flat out to set up a network of professional exchanges,” says SFH spokeswoman Eliane Engeler. On the Zurich online city magazine Ron Orp meanwhile, several dozen advertisements have already been placed – by people who want to take in Ukrainian refugees. In addition, according to the “NZZ” in the campaign organization Campax Based in Zurich, over 3000 people have already registered who want to offer refugees from Ukraine a home.