How we can help those fleeing the Ukrainian-Russian war in our country
We see the horrific images of war, we hear that more than two million people have already fled their homes. We certainly cannot fathom what it must be like for these people, fleeing the danger of war, leaving behind their valuables and loved ones, waiting for news from home without a vision or a plan. What we do know is that trains packed with refugees are now arriving non-stop at the Western and Eastern Railway Stations, where hundreds of enthusiastic helpers are welcoming, guiding, transporting and accommodating the arrivals.
It is important to know that, for the time being, the vast majority of refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine do not want to stay here, at most for a few days, before moving on to different destinations and countries. The majority of them are women with children and young boys and girls. Almost all of them are frightened, exhausted, many are in a state of shock, they don’t speak much English and cannot ask for help. They are also distrustful, so most of the time they have to be offered help. They now have wonderful information materials, which, when they have enough printed, are given to people who arrive. Usually they ask for food and drink first, so they need lots of sandwiches, fruit (apples, bananas), half a liter of mineral water, and for children small packets of soft drink with a straw. There is a lot of clothing – sorting is a constant task for many, so that the right size can be quickly handed to the arrivals. Buses are parked in the stations’ car parks to keep people warm while they wait for their accommodation or onward journey. There are also buses to take emergency workers to rural workers’ hostels, but many would prefer to find accommodation in the capital. While there are plenty of offers of this too, we need more of it. In addition, very cold nights are forecast.
The country is already doing a great job in terms of human resources, but there are many people who would like to help, but don’t know what is really needed, so we have gathered some important information:
DONATE MONEY
Donations of money to aid agencies are probably the biggest help right now. Contact details for some of the organizations:
Red Cross – www.voroskereszt.hu
Hungarian Maltese Relief Service – www.maltai.hu
Hungarian Ecumenical Relief – www.segelyszervezet.hu
Hungarian Reformed Charity – www.adomany.jobbadni.hu
UNICEF – www.unicef.hu
Baptist Relief Service – www.baptistasegely.hu
Oltalom Association – www.oltalom.hu
UN Ukraine Humanitarian Fund – https://crisisrelief.un.org/ucraine-krisis
Catholic Charities – www.karitasz.hu
AS A VOLUNTEER HELPER
More volunteers are very welcome at the Western and Eastern Railway Stations – 24 hours a day. BUT! they ask that anyone who would like to go, please register as a volunteer with one of the aid organizations beforehand, as they are the best people to organize it so that there is always someone for every task!
Here are a few possibilities:
Reformed Relief Service (you can recognise them by their green clothes at the train station)
Red Cross (red ones)
Migration Aid (to volunteer: info@migrationaid.org)
+1 It’s also important to mention the Budapest Bike Mafia, who collect food, clothes and toiletries in huge quantities.
If you are a first time volunteer, you will find a lot of useful information here to help you find your way around: http://aronkvh.hu/ukr/onkentes.html
OFFERING ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation or rooms are usually needed for a few nights, and anyone who would like to host refugees either in a rented apartment or in their own home CAN APPLY HERE: https://bit.ly/34gp01i
Of course they also welcome applications from hotels and empty dormitories.
FOR VACANCIES OR VACANT APARTMENTS, HOSTELS OR FLATS, PLEASE CONTACT
There is a constant need for people to be transported from the station to the hostels – if you would like to help, YOU CAN APPLY HERE: https://bit.ly/3K91BOk
DONATIONS OF GOODS
You need to pay attention to what the relief organizations need at the moment. For example, the Reformed Churches post here every morning what they need for the day: **https://www.facebook.com/MRSZeretetszolgalat/posts/10159668819345446
Nothing else is worth bringing because it only takes up space and manpower.
(Usually packed sandwiches, small packet juices, blanket, sleeping bag, baby care products, toothbrush toothpaste are always a must).
It is very important that everyone helps as much and as much as they can financially and physically – this is not a sprint, it will be a long distance run with no end in sight!