How Volunteers in Europe are Helping Ukraine Financially

The Russian-Ukrainian war has unleashed a wave of solidarity around the world, especially in Europe. Our closest neighbours organise charity events, raise funds through various platforms and draw attention to the needs of Ukrainians.

The clear message of all volunteer initiatives is that we are stronger together. They bring together people from different countries and different walks of life, showing that helping your neighbour has no boundaries

Razom for Ukraine

The Razom charity platform is one of the most famous volunteer initiatives that has been operating for over 10 years. The organisation operates in Poland, Germany and the Czech Republic, focusing its efforts on providing financial assistance to victims of military operations.

The platform has attracted more than 222,000 donors and volunteers who help raise funds and coordinate various charity events: concerts, fairs, auctions, etc. Particular attention is paid to online campaigns run through GoFundMe and Facebook.

Since the beginning of the war, the organisation has raised more than $166 million, of which $139 million has already been used to help. Razom offers 5 active programmes covering humanitarian, medical, psychological and infrastructure support.

The funds are being used for the following purposes:

• $10 – the cost of a hygiene kit for one family living in the war zone;
• $55 to cover 7-10 days of a child’s stay in a summer camp;
• $150 – the cost of an individual first aid kit (IFAK);
• $500 – funding for a psychological support camp for vulnerable children;
• $1,000 – to provide a medical backpack for field medics or a radio station for communication;
• $1,500 to cover a repair kit to rebuild houses in the liberated areas.

Blue and Yellow

The Lithuanian volunteer organisation Blue and Yellow has been operating since 2014. The platform runs large-scale fundraising campaigns through social media and various online initiatives. It appeals to both Lithuanian citizens and the international community. One of its key tools is a support subscription, which allows for monthly contributions ranging from €5 to €100.

Blue and Yellow allocates funding to:

• Drones and anti-drones – 70% of requests are for these needs.
• Purchase of various types of vehicles: from ambulances to specialised vehicles.
• Evacuation vehicles to take civilians out of dangerous areas.
• Medical care for people living near the frontline.

In the last months of 2024 alone, the organisation raised more than €10,000 for the purchase of vehicles, some of which have already been transferred for use in Ukraine. In 2023, the organisation funded an adaptation programme for 150 children.

NALIDA

NALIDA is an Italian volunteer association that specialises in helping Ukrainian migrants who have taken refuge in Italy. It was founded by Ukrainian Natalia, who has been living in Italy for over 18 years. The organisation has become a real centre of support for refugees in this difficult time.

Key areas of focus:

• providing temporary accommodation;
• humanitarian aid;
• integration of IDPs.

During the war, the organisation helped hundreds of Ukrainian families find safe shelter and stability in Italy. In Milan, NALIDA has set up a support centre where IDPs can receive the necessary assistance, including food, clothing and medical services. In cooperation with local businesses, the association implemented a project to provide free housing for large families.

Volunteering without borders: supporting Ukraine in action

Thanks to the combined efforts of thousands of volunteers, communities and organisations, Ukrainian families receive vital support: financial assistance, housing, medical care and access to education.

Every contribution, regardless of its size, makes a huge difference. Every donation, hour of volunteer work or word of support helps those who need it most.

Support volunteer initiatives like Gather, get involved in their activities or spread the word. Together, we can do more than seems possible.