In the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are witnessing the largest spontaneous aid effort in decades, engaging citizens, social organizations, businesses, local governments, media, and other institutions in Poland. Foundations and associations have overnight become focal points for coordinating local aid efforts, and are now appealing for donations only to those in-kind donations that are currently needed. They are also reminding people of the possibility of financial support—preferably on a regular basis—to support organizations, which will allow for a faster and more effective response to the needs of those affected by the tragedy, both now and in the coming months.
Poles have stepped up to help in every way possible, often opting to welcome guests from the East directly into their homes. However, this is a solution for a few, perhaps a dozen, weeks. Therefore, NGOs experienced in long-term assistance are already working on how to organize support for the coming months, which will see an increase not only in the number of refugees but also in the number of needs and problems.
We have not faced such a gigantic challenge on such a scale since 1989. Therefore, a new approach to philanthropy is also necessary.
– We organize the work of volunteers at reception points at the border and in Lublin, we help with the transport of refugees and their accommodation, we open a community center for refugee children – says Justyna Orłowska from the Volunteer Center in Lublin. "We know from Ukrainian organizations that they urgently need power banks, generators, sleeping mats, and batteries. Meanwhile, we're drowning in rice, groats, and other products that we have nowhere to store. We're focused on long-term assistance, even when the national uprising weakens, which is why we've decided to appeal for donations." emphasizes Justyna Orłowska.
–This is a trying time for Polish humanitarian organizations, which have now been joined by foundations and associations that have so far been involved in social assistance, education, local development and volunteering – says Andrzej Pietrucha from the Academy of Civic Organizations Foundation, which trains and supports non-governmental organizations. It's worth responding to their appeal for donations, especially regular donations. This will not only allow us to buy food and medicine now, but also help cover, for example, months of psychological therapy or language classes for those fleeing war. Let's also remember how crucial the organizations' administrative support and staff will be in the current situation. After all, someone has to manage the volunteers, account for fundraisers, and report— Andrzej Pietrucha points out.
The Academy of Civic Organizations Foundation, the Polish Donors' Forum, and the Polish Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations—with the support of over 70 social organizations—are appealing for regular donations to the organization and reminding people what to consider when making in-kind donations. They also encourage donors to use the "How to Help Those Who Help?" guide.
#How to Help the Helping
How to get involved?
Download the appeal, send it to journalists, decision-makers and share it on your organization's website and social media.
Download the guideline kit for donors and share it on your organization's website and social media.
Download a set of ready-made graphics with an appeal to donors to be used on your organization's social media.
* Remember to use the hashtag: #JakPomocPomagajacym when publishing information
* By informing about the initiative, you can benefit from photos available here. Please credit the author: photo: Anna Liminowicz.
* We have prepared two versions of the graphics – with and without the logos of the three organizations coordinating the initiative. We recommend using the version with logos, but we understand that sometimes it may be easier to use the version without.
