#Razem can we do more #Sercem with Ukraine
When planning events and campaigns for the current year, we did not know that we would have to face the need to organize rapid aid for war refugees from Ukraine. We were accompanied by feelings of uncertainty, sadness, and the incredible strength of our community!
We have been working intensively since the first days of the war. In response to the demand reported by the Polish Red Cross, we started collecting donations, brought the articles, sorted them, and finally, thanks to the courtesy of Omida, we transported them to the PCK warehouse, from where they were handed over to people in need. Together, we collected almost a ton of needed donations!
At the same time, we launched a fundraiser to equip nursing rooms for babies and mothers. The war in Ukraine has driven thousands of women and children from their homes. Many of them, in search of safety, reach our city, Gdańsk. Together, we collected almost PLN 12,000 to equip nursing rooms for the youngest war refugees from Ukraine! With the money raised, we bought and delivered comfortable baby feeding chairs, changing tables, cabinets, travel cots, soft blankets and a lot of necessary care trinkets to Gdańsk Helps Ukraine points.
You have trusted us. We received phone calls and e-mails asking what was needed, where to donate money and how to get personally involved in volunteering. And we responded. Everyone tried to help as much as they could: with their knowledge, talent, free time, helping hands. At that time, on the initiative of the Olivia Centre Choir, we started working on a charity concert “Heart with Ukraine”. We engaged artists, created a script, and organized a safe space. It was a touching and unique event – on March 28, 2022, on the stage of the 34. Almost 100 Polish and Ukrainian artists performed. Thanks to your generosity and commitment in the purchase of tickets for the “Heart with Ukraine” concert, we have collected over 180% of the necessary amount! We used it to buy layettes for Ukrainian babies and their mothers. Thanks to you, babies and their caregivers will have everything they need to be cared for and wrapped.
That’s not all! In cooperation with the City of Gdańsk and the UP Foundation, we have opened a charity shop called TAKE&GO, where war refugees from Ukraine can stock up on the most necessary things free of charge. Natka and Natka Bistro decided to donate vouchers for lunches to volunteers who are on duty at the point 6 days a week. The store is located on the ground floor of the Olivia Four building and is open every day, from Monday to Saturday, from 12:00 to 18:00. You can stock up on cosmetics, household chemicals and school supplies. If you feel that you want to support this initiative by providing articles in this field or in the form of service, we invite you to contact the coordinator Karolina Weiner at: karolina.weiner@upfoundation.pl.
Thank you for your trust, commitment, open hearts and helping hands. Although our initiatives for Ukrainian war refugees are noble and necessary, we fervently desire that as soon as possible… turned out to be unnecessary.
