Six weeks since the start of the war in Ukraine, more than half of Ukraine’s estimated 7.5 million children have been internally displaced. As of April 11, over 4.6 million refugees have fled Ukraine into surrounding countries such as Moldova, Poland and Romania – according to data from UNHCR, the UN’s lead refugee agency.

Since its founding in 2014, Nova Ukraine, a California-based, Ukrainian Diaspora organization has promoted its mission to provide humanitarian aid to the people of Ukraine and to raise awareness about Ukraine in the United States and globally.

At the onset of the war, Nova Ukraine airlifted and delivered emergency aid, such as 32 tons of medical supplies, packaged meals, and lifesaving, first aid kits to people in Ukraine and refugees. Nova Ukraine decided to deepen the impact of its support to Ukraine by partnering with UNICEF USA’s ongoing work to address the plight of vulnerable children and refugees in Ukraine and neighboring countries. The fundraising campaign aims to raise $2 million to strengthen the reach of UNICEF programs, to scale up emergency operations such as setting up Blue Dot Centers and to help deliver nutrition, safe water, and provide safety and protection for children and families in and surrounding Ukraine. Working with UNICEF USA, they have galvanized communities in the U.S. to stand together in support of relatives, friends and others in Ukraine who have faced the destruction of war. 

A child plays with UNICEF staff at a Blue Dot safe space in Romania. © UNICEF/UN0622176/Holerga

“Partnering with UNICEF USA will allow us to rapidly assist children with critical needs,” said Yulia Zi, co-founder of Nova Ukraine.

UNICEF has over 140 staff members on the ground in Ukraine and is hoping to deepen its efforts to provide urgent assistance to children and families in need during this crisis.  Collaborations with groups such as Nova Ukraine enable the UNICEF team to multiply its outreach, broaden its services and intensify its impact to families who stay and those who are forced to flee the conflict.

Volunteers helping refugees inside the first Blue Dot set up by UNICEF in Romania. © UNICEF/UN0600990/Nicodim

“UNICEF USA is incredibly grateful for the support of organizations like Nova Ukraine, especially because they represent the concerns of the Ukrainian diaspora here in the United States,” said Leslie Goldman, Vice President, Global Cause Partnerships at UNICEF USA. “UNICEF can’t do this work alone. Such heartfelt efforts inspire our work and help us reach the most vulnerable.”

To contribute to Nova Ukraine’s efforts to raise funds for the children and families of Ukraine, please click here and read about their Facebook Fundraiser today.

Together, we can make an impact for the children of Ukraine.

Anne-Marea Griffin and Arantxa Moreno are on the Global Cause Partnership/ Diaspora and Multicultural Partnerships team at UNICEF USA. For partnership inquiries, please email: [email protected] and [email protected]

Top Photo: In Kyiv, Ukraine, a girl looks at the crater left by an explosion in front of an apartment building, heavily damaged during the escalating conflict. © UNICEF/UN0597997/Skyba for The Globe and Mail

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