Christian World Service is grateful to the many generous people who have donated to the Ukraine Emergency Appeal. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is matching donations to this appeal through its aid vote. These funds will be used to help some of the 3.5 million refugees in urgent need of assistance in Poland.

“We are very grateful to the government for this grant as it will double the impact of your donations. The conflict in Ukraine seems likely to continue for longer so this assistance will be vital to families who have escaped the violence. Please continue to pray for all those affected and for an end to this conflict,” says Murray Overton, CWS National Director.

As part of the Action by Churches Together (ACT) Alliance, CWS is partnering with the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) which has been active across the region for many years. The grant from CWS will support 60 households with cash transfers for three months, pay for 100 comfort kits for babies and very young children, and 50 kits for the differently abled.

LWF is training volunteers and staff to help provide mental and emotional support to refugee families as well as to recognise when to refer them for more specialised care. Six churches have set up child-friendly spaces with opportunities for play and education for children and young people. In addition, the churches are providing spaces for young girls and women travelling alone, and advice on where they can get the support they need.

CWS will help fund local churches in Bytom-Miechowice, Ostroda, Gdansk, Zgierz, Wroclaw and Biesko-Biala which are already providing services to refugees.

Conflict is the major driver of dislocation. The United Nations reports that there are now more than 100 million displaced people in the world.

Funds raised in this year’s Operation Refugee will support this work in Poland as well as respond to refugees in Afghanistan, Jordan, Lebanon and other situations. CWS encourages churches to organise a special fundraising activity, hold a retiring offering or sign up for Operation Refugee. Worship and study materials are available at cws.org.nz. CWS thank you for your continued support.