Pro-Ukraine organizations in Italy, including the Network Associazioni per Ucraina (NAU), an associated UWC member in Italy, have raised over €210,000 (approximately $250,000) in less than a week to support Ukraine through the “SOS — Warm Ukraine” campaign.
The initiative was launched in response to a call from the UWC following an appeal by the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The campaign unites Associazione Liberi Oltre le Illusioni APS, NAU, Lilea APS, EUcraina, and journalist Vladislav Maistriuk.
“This means we have more than doubled our initial goal of €100,000,” the campaign organizers wrote. “Many co-initiators doubted it was possible, especially in Italy given pro-Russian propaganda. But the first day already showed that most donors are Italians who support Ukraine through action, not just words,” said Dmytro Shchukin, President of NAU, in a comment to the UWC.
Some donations were made through online fundraising platforms, while others came as direct transfers. In total, more than 3,000 donors have turned solidarity into tangible support.
Funds will be used to provide heating appliances for families, as well as larger installations that supply electricity to hospitals, schools, and critical facilities in regions with the greatest need. The fundraising campaign continues until January 31. The remaining €40,000 needed to reach the next goal could provide power and heat for an entire hospital, organizers noted.
The campaign will not stop after reaching €250,000 — organizers plan to continue fundraising until the very last moment to purchase additional equipment and fuel for the installations.
“Never give up — volunteer work is often hard and thankless. But this has become the largest fundraiser ever held in Italy. You have to keep going, and sooner or later, the results will come,” Shchukin said.
Following the UWC appeal, similar initiatives have been launched in other countries, including Canada, the Czech Republic, and Australia.
Alexandra Chyczij, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), urged Canadian ministers to provide urgent assistance to Ukraine, as Russia continues attacks on the country’s civilian energy infrastructure.
In the Czech Republic, the organization Dárek pro Putina (“Gift for Putin”) raised over $3.8 million for Ukraine within just a few days.
In Australia, the campaign “Warmth for Ukraine” is underway. The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) aims to raise $150,000.
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Cover: State Emergency Service of Ukraine
