Working with Ukrainian Refugees in Bucharest
Hello! Some may already know me, I’m relatively new to Romania. I am a member of the Anglican church and have taken on the role of Ukraine aid coordinator for the International Church of Bucharest - this is an operation that does not just consist of help from its congregation, but also from various churches and schools in Bucharest.
We are providing direct on the ground and immediate help for those in Romania with a range of and ever changing scope of needs - from accommodation to medical expenses, train reservation costs, grocery shopping, clothing, hygiene products, suitcases and much more. This has been going on since the start of the crisis and the team really moved a mountain long before I arrived here in Bucharest.
I would love to welcome and encourage the congregation of the Anglican church to join us, in whichever way you can or wish to.
When I am not assisting the International Church I am volunteering in various locations around Bucharest, including Gara de Nord, where I often meet people in need and am able to put them in contact with our network or give them immediate support.
Though the influx of those crossing the border has somewhat stalled, the needs of those here is as great as it ever was - people are now looking for long term accommodation, work and a place to live for the foreseeable future.
Ways you can help
Donations
● Unopened hygiene/medical products: : Hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, suncream, moisturiser, toothpaste, plasters, paracetamol, hayfever tablets, wet wipes, etc.
● Suitcases (preferably on wheels)
● Children’s products : Packeted/ jarred baby food, pampers (range of sizes), dummies, toys, etc.
● Summer clothing : Specifically children’s and women’s clothing, summer shoes.
● Non perishable food products : Pasta, rice, jarred/ canned goods, etc.
You can speak to Nevsky about dropping off any donations at the church!
Drivers
● If you have a car and are willing to join our driving Whatsapp group, please let me know. We often need to pick up donations/ help take Ukrainians we are working with to new accommodation/ take them to the airport, etc. If you join the group, requests will be posted there and if you are able to help you can reply.
Accommodation
● What we are seeking is to find a group of individuals who are committed to donating money for the rental of a 2 or 3 bed apartment for around 6 months. Currently we have no rented apartments for Ukrainians, but there is a desperate need for long term accommodation which we currently don’t have the funding to help with. Please contact me if you are interested in helping in this vital way! Bucharest offers no long term solutions for refugees that are not in centres. We are open to suggestions about this idea.
Monetary donations
● Cash : If you reside in Bucharest, cash is the quickest way for us to use funds in the way we need to. You can hand this to Nevsky or myself at the church, or I can arrange to meet you. → This will go directly towards things like train seat reservations (which are not free and large families often cannot afford these), booking transport for those arriving at the station with large bags, buying suitcases, clothing, fresh produce, medication and hygiene products for struggling individuals and families (see more info on ways I am personally helping on my fundraising page link below).
● Fundraising links: : Tully fund (ICB organisers) - https://globaloutreach.org/giving/project-details/tully-ukraine-relief : My fundraising page - https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/emergency-ukraine-romania-madeleine-c
Work
● If you know of work opportunities for refugees, do get in contact. Many Ukrainians are looking for work and are unable to find it. Maybe you need childcare, a cleaner, a nail technician - there are many skills which can be used.
Please contact Nevsky to receive my personal phone number or email if you wish to express interest in helping or have more questions.
Thank you for reading this, any help would be greatly welcomed. Just contact me about the ways you’d like to help and I can add you to the correct Whatsapp groups or give you more info.
Please pray that God’s power moves through the work that we do and the lives that we impact. Together we are much stronger.
Madeleine