Vitebsk region sent a humanitarian cargo to refugees from Ukraine

The Vitebsk Regional Red Cross has sent humanitarian aid to the border of the Gomel region and Ukraine. It will be transferred through the Gomel Regional Organization of the Belarusian Red Cross. The final destination of the cargo, which consists of two tons of food and sanitary and hygiene products, is the border village of Poddobryanka, where a tent camp of the Belarusian Red Cross has been set up.

 Galina Zhelanova, Chairperson of the Vitebsk Regional Branch of the Belarusian Red Cross Society, shares the details:

– The humanitarian aid is intended for citizens of Ukraine who have crossed the border in search of a peaceful, quiet life in our country. To support these adults and children in this difficult time for them, we are sending sanitary and hygiene kits, baby food and cookies, and canned vegetables to Poddobryanka. Thanks to all the sponsors who responded and helped: the public association "Belaya Rus", JSC "Vitebskhlebprom", private enterprise "Belfood Production", JSC "Vitebskmyasomolprom"! We will be grateful to all residents of our region who decide to transfer charitable donations to the Red Cross's settlement account. The money will definitely become targeted assistance to those who are especially in need now.  

According to Galina Petrovna, only recently 21 citizens of Ukraine have been registered in the Vitebsk region who have applied to the migration service for additional protection.

And that's not all, the interlocutor continues:

– We have also been approached by 14 people who can stay in Belarus for up to 30 days without refugee status. Some of them need medications, for example, insulin. All these issues need to be resolved promptly, and serious work is underway. In 2014, 7,000 Ukrainians came to the Vitebsk region, about half of whom integrated and call our country their second home. Now, relatives and acquaintances are coming to them from the zone of armed conflict.

 

The Red Cross assists both those heading to Belarus via the humanitarian corridor and Ukrainians who are purposefully reaching the Vitebsk region through Poland and the Brest region. All of them need basic living amenities, clothing, food, and shelter…

So far, only one family has applied to the Red Cross for housing. The people are in a state of shock, shares Galina Petrovna:

– Of course, they need support, which we are providing. I am very impressed by the openness and indifference of the residents of the Vitebsk region. Imagine, they write letters to us at the Red Cross expressing their willingness to host refugees from Ukraine. Every line contains sincere sympathy and a genuine desire to help. Is this not the best example of the great heart of Belarusians and the fact that at any, even the darkest time, the main thing is to remain human!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"SB" and "BELTA"