In February 2022, Russia invaded and occupied parts of Ukraine. This violent eruption escalated the ongoing conflict between the two countries, dating back as early as 2014. Today, tens of thousands of deaths, on both sides, are the dark and painful reality this humanitarian catastrophe in Ukraine has marked, prompting Europe’s largest refugee crisis since World War II. As the war continues, the number of families leaving Ukraine also continues to rise—and so does the need for Lions’ support.
Millions of people have been driven from their homes and struggle just to meet their most basic human needs: food, water, clothing, sleep and shelter. In times like this, when the humanitarian crisis seems unending, the persistent commitment Lions make to service every day brings hope to those who need it most. The mission of Lions International is filled with unlimited compassion and tireless support of Lions’ service. Together, we can improve health and well-being, strengthen communities, and support those in need around the world.
In times of urgent need
Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) continues to award grants to ensure struggling, Ukrainian families will get the support they desperately need. Since March 2022, more than 65 LCIF grants totaling more than US$4.3 million have been awarded to Lions throughout Armenia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Turkey, Ukraine and several more surrounding countries.
“We are proud that LCIF grant funding continues to support services to help refugees integrate into their new communities,” said LCIF Chairperson Douglas X. Alexander. “Together, our courageous service from the heart roars so loud that it inspires kindness in others, especially during this time of great need.”
LCIF grants enable Lions to cover a broad spectrum of refugee needs, including immediate survival needs, transitional necessities for mid- or long-term settlement and new community support.
Behind every LCIF grant, there’s a story filled with inspiration, impact and kindness.
These grants are made possible by donations to the Refugees and Displaced Persons fund, which help ensure Lions are there to offer refugees safety, resources and peace of mind. Additionally, all donations—100%—benefit grants and programs and qualify for Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) or Progressive MJF recognition.
Stories at the heart of service
Behind every LCIF grant, there’s a story filled with inspiration, impact and kindness. These are just a few of the many accounts of service from the frontlines that share how Lions are changing lives with great courage.
From Ukraine to Estonia
Since February 2022, nearly 118,000 Ukrainian refugees have fled to Estonia. Approximately 24 percent of them are children, now attending Estonian schools where they must first learn to adapt in a completely foreign environment, even as they continue to miss their homes and friends.
An LCIF grant supported two Lion events, focused on helping these children assimilate into their new communities.
More than 20 Lions clubs in north and south Estonia coordinated this effort, and each club was responsible for inviting the children, arranging transportation to the events and finding sponsors. At the end of these events, each child received a Lion giftbag that included everyday school essentials such as pencils, erasers, crayons, ruler, glue stick and a pedagogical skill learning game.
The events brought together 850 Ukrainian children and gave them relief from everyday troubles and stress.
From Ukraine to Finland
Nearly 50,000 Ukraine refugees have arrived in Finland since February 2022, with more than 1,000 in areas in and near the city of Joensuu. Refugees arrived with only a few changes of clothes, food and hygiene products. Lions in Joensuu and surrounding areas worked together to help with an LCIF grant, which enabled them to provide nearly 500 refugees with the essentials they were unable to bring with them when they fled their homes.
Living in Ukraine
Many Ukrainians have remained in the country during the war, fleeing from eastern Ukraine, where the situation is the most difficult.
With the help of an LCIF grant, more than 7,500 beneficiaries throughout Kyiv, Balta, Bahmach, Zaporizia, Odessa, Mariupul, Kharkiv, Podolsk and central Ukraine received essentials, such as food packages and medicine for illnesses. The lives of two children in Mariupol were saved, thanks to the medicine they received.
“You are saving our life and health,” said one refugee.
From Ukraine to Poland
To date, Poland has welcomed the majority of Ukrainian refugees. Lions in Poland mobilized quickly to meet the urgent needs of those displaced. In this moving video, Lion Roman Monastyrskyy, a Ukrainian citizen, shares a journey of help, support and humanitarian spirit in the country, made possible with LCIF grant funding.
The project in Poland and many others in the countries surrounding Ukraine were made possible by the LCIF Refugees and Displaced Persons Fund, which has received donations from people and organizations around the world that support the service of Lions in these difficult times.
“Each of us can do so much good on our own, but together with our support of LCIF, we can make the impossible, possible,” said International President Brian E. Sheehan. “Together, we can unite in kindness to help make our communities—and the world—a better place for all people.”
Ukraine relief updates
LCIF continues to award grants to Lions supporting Ukrainian refugees who have crossed their borders or those who remain in Ukraine. Visit lionsclubs.org/UkraineResponse to learn more about ongoing grant and donation efforts. Help those around the world who need assistance finding safety and security by donating to LCIF’s Refugees and Displaced Persons Fund. In times of great need, kindness matters.
Bill Hatzos is the senior digital marketing specialist for Lions Clubs International Foundation and Andrea Small is the senior marketing and public relations specialist for Lions Clubs International Foundation.
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted communities around the world in different ways. To ensure we’re serving safely wherever we live, Lions should follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization or local health authorities. Visit our Serving Safely page for resources that can help you safely serve your community.
