A few months ago, you generously donated to ShelterBox New Zealand’s Emergency Response Appeal for Ukraine.
Today, we wanted to reach out and update you on the transformational impact that your kind donation continues to make for families in Ukraine.
ShelterBox’s global vision is no one without shelter. For 22 years, we’ve been providing families around the world with emergency shelter and essential aid – because we know that when you have a place to call home, hope follows. The aid your donation is contributing towards is not only helping families in Ukraine to heal from trauma and rebuild their lives, but also to find hope for a brighter future.
Here is a video from Peggy Carlaw – ShelterBox New Zealand Board Director, to learn more about this impact.
Our teams remain on the ground, where they are working with our global partners on three projects. So far, we have:
Distributed 10, 641 mattresses to people living in collective centres.
Supplied 5, 011 families with ShelterKits (including tools, tarpaulins, fixings, blankets, water carriers, solar lights, and hygiene kits, to help them survive in damaged buildings).
We are also supporting refugees arriving at the border in Moldova with a portable assistance package.
Amongst those to have received ShelterBox aid, are neighbours Olga and Dina.
On March 4th, the pair were forced to leave their homes. Speaking to our partner, Relief Aid, they said “it was the most terrible night. We were in the basement. The building was shaking terribly. When we came out from there, the house was without windows, nothing was left”.
A few days later, they returned and found all power, gas, water and heating had been lost. Despite this, home is home – and this is where Olga and Dina want to be. Thankfully, our ShelterKits have been helping them make home more habitable. They’ve been using our tools and tarpaulins to cover their windows and stop the cold, and our thermal blankets have provided extra layers of warmth.
We’re told that as she talked, Dina’s eyes shone in the light of her solar light – which we consider a symbol of hope for brighter days.
As Olga and Dina’s story shows, the seemingly simple items we provide make the world of difference to families who have lost everything.
Once again, thank you so much for your donation. Your generosity and kindness is transforming the lives of families across the globe.
With gratitude and sincere thanks, nāku noa, nā,
ShelterBox New Zealand
