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Jersey Overseas Aid has committed £360,000 to help Ukrainian people suffering as a result of the Russian invasion – and the Bailiff has launched a major funding appeal for islanders to contribute even more to the aid effort.
£120,000 is being directed to UNHCR (the UN’s refugee agency), £120,000 to the Red Cross, and £120,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.
The latter was established in 2019 to help meet the most critical needs of the conflict-affected population in eastern Ukraine. In the current conflict, this is one of the worst-affected areas.
Additional grants are expected to be made.
Deputy Carolyn Labey, the International Development Minister, said that JOA had also received “detailed information on the Ukrainian Ministry of Health’s requirements”, and is in “discussions with a specialist logistics and procurement organisation with offices in Ukraine.”
Alongside the Government Jersey Overseas Aid will also be helping coordinate the Bailiff’s Ukraine Appeal, which launched yesterday.
Pictured: Ukrainian people taking shelter in the subway.
Meanwhile, Jersey Side By Side, which was set up following the 2004 Tsunami, will be planning to process donations eligible for tax relief, meaning that £1 donated by a taxpayer can be worth £1.25 to the appeal.
“Islanders are generous people and already we have seen a tremendous outpouring of support for the people of Ukraine,” Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq said.
“The Russian invasion of a peaceful European country and its use of indiscriminate force against civilians has shocked Jersey, which knows only too well the impact of Occupation.
“Islanders are already doing what they can to help the people of Ukraine, and this Fund will help direct their generosity to those who need it most.”
Pictured: As well as donating £360,000, Jersey Overseas Aid is supporting the Bailiff's Fund.
Deputy Labey commented: “Jersey may be a small country, but we will not stand by while innocent people suffer the effects of a barbaric and totally unnecessary war.
“We have a tradition of helping others, just as we ourselves were helped in 1945, and we will do all we can for the heroic people of Ukraine.”
The efforts come in addition to huge donation efforts across the island coordinated by the Polish consul.
Since launching over the weekend, hundreds of people have got involved in the appeal for clothing, toiletries and other items to assist Ukrainian women and children crossing the Polish border, filling up collection points at Parish Halls, schools, shops and cafés across the island.
The team coordinating the efforts commented on the dedicated Polish-Jersey Help for Ukraine Facebook page last night: “We have just got home after busy evening.
“You guys won’t believe but we already have 2 double pallets ready to send to Poland!"
They added: "We are ready for more!”
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