Ukrainian Help Centre reports on its first 47 days

On 24 February 2022, the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia set up the Ukrainian Help Centre (Ukrainlaste abistamiskeskus). On the 47th day of the war, the centre summed up its work.

Information support. From day one, the hotline "Estonia – information for refugees" (10 phone numbers, 24/7) and a Telegram channel of the same name have explained how to reach Estonia from the Polish-Ukrainian border, legalise one's stay, obtain health insurance and financial support, enrol children in kindergarten, school or hobby groups, find work, register pets and more.

Adaptation. The centre runs free excursions, workshops for children and information meetings in different towns, and takes part in public events introducing Ukrainian culture to Estonians. Its refugee support unit helps people obtain clothes and equipment through social media groups.

Logistics and support for the front. The centre organises transport for refugees coming to Estonia, for men and women returning to defend Ukraine, and for humanitarian cargo. By then, the Association had bought 53 vehicles (off-roaders and minibuses) for military units and handed over equipment, clothing and specialised medical supplies worth over 500,000 euros.

Humanitarian aid. With the support of Estonians and international foundations, more than 100 tonnes of aid have been sent to civilians in Ukraine. Together with Tallinn Children's Hospital, the first batch of medical equipment was sent to Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital in Kyiv. Logistics in Ukraine are handled by the Ukrainian Youth Association – all shipments reached their destination.

DopomoGo. The service www.dopomogo.com was created to help Ukrainians abroad find and support one another.

All of this was made possible by volunteers: 208 people contacted the centre to offer their help.

Original post: Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia on Facebook