On 24 February, 2022 Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the second largest country in Europe and home to 44 million people. As the fighting and bombings continue, the lives of millions of Ukrainians have been completely shattered. Over 1.5 million Ukrainians have already fled into neighboring countries in what has become the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II. The war has sparked a massive humanitarian crisis, since food, basic necessities and medical supplies inside the country are becoming increasingly scarce. There’s been a massive mobilization of support for Ukrainians amongst individuals and organizations, particularly in neighboring European countries.
You can also take action to support Ukrainians impacted by the war. Whether you live in France or elsewhere, we’ve rounded up some verified options for you to help in concrete ways. While financial donations are probably needed most at this point, you can also help by donating essential medical supplies, housing Ukrainian refugees, or other means.
How to Help Ukraine from France
The French government’s official website features a list of both international and France-based organisations which are accepting financial or material donations and contacts for people who wish to volunteer to house Ukrainian refugees. Donations made by French taxpayers to local organizations listed, including France-Ukraine Medical and Charitable Aid (AMC Urgence), the Fondation de France, French Red Cross, and Secours Populaire are partially tax deductible (up to a certain amount). Be sure to ask for a reçu fiscal to claim your tax reduction.
Donate Money or Essentials through French Municipalities and the Protection Civile
Protection Civile, a French humanitarian and first aid voluntary association, together with the French Mairies (Town Halls) have launched a nationwide solidarity initiative to collect and deliver much needed emergency supplies to Ukraine. French citizens can also make a tax deductible financial donation via SMS or on the Protection Civile website to fund relief efforts. Look up your nearest town hall HERE to find out about local initiatives, which may differ from town to town. In Paris, for example, the Town Hall of the 15th arrondissement is collecting essential health and medical supplies 7 days a week, and lists items such as:
– Non-Perishable Foods: baby formula, baby food, dried fruits, cereals, canned food, dried pasta, etc…
– Survival Gear: Warm blankets, sleeping bags, hiking mats, tents, raincoats…
– Personal Hygiene Products: travel toothbrushes, toothpaste, diapers, soap, sanitary towels, face masks, shampoo, shower gel, hydro-alcoholic gel, etc.
– Medical Supplies: medicines, bandages, First Aid kits, etc.
See the full list of supplies needed HERE (in French), but check your nearest collection point to verify when and what they are collecting.
Offer Shelter or Assistance to Ukrainian Refugees
Ukrainian refugees will be allowed to stay for 90 days in the Schengen area, which includes France. If you wish to offer housing or volunteer to help displaced Ukrainians in France:
- Register your interest through one of the French government’s two portals set up to accept offers of housing for displaced Ukrainiens: one for companies, associations, and foundations and the other for individuals who wish to help.
- You can also offer shelter by contacting the France Ukraine Association: [email protected].
- In Paris, you can call the Ville de Paris hotline at 3975 to ask how you can host or volunteer to help refugees in other ways.
- Direct refugees to one of the many places where they can seek help on arrival in France. For example, Paris has opened “Urgence Ukraine“, a center managed by France Terre d’Asile to welcome Ukrainian refugees and help them find the help they need. It is open 7 days a week from 9am to 6pm, at 39 rue des cheminots, 75018 Paris. Check the City of Paris website for the many resources that refugees can turn to for help upon arriving in Paris.
Stand with Ukraine – Pechersk School International (PSI)
(a partner school of the American School of Paris)
Pechersk School International (PSI) is an international school based in Kyiv, Ukraine, with almost 550 students and over 160 staff. The school’s staff, friends and partners have compiled a list of actions you can take, including a list of organizations where you can donate to help those affected by the crisis.
France Bleu also has a comprehensive list (in French) with links for French residents to search for how you can help in France, by department and by city.
How to Help Ukrainians Internationally
Donate Funds to Support Humanitarian Efforts in Ukraine
Global news network CNN and Public Good have set up this portal with links to facilitate donations to one of over 34 organizations (such as Save the Children, UNICEF, the Red Cross, United Help Ukraine, the World Food Program) which are providing humanitarian aid on the ground.
Donate to the Ukrainian Red Cross
The local institution needs funds to support repairs and purchase supplies for health facilities and providing food and hygiene products to the Ukrainian population.
Support Ukraine Now (financial, humanitarian aid, and other means)
A crowdsourced information platform (updated live, hourly) created by Global Shapers (young leaders identified by the World Economic Forum) Hubs in Ukraine, which features a comprehensive list of ways to help, including official funds, supporting humanitarian aid, and more.
Send Medical Supplies Directly to the Frontlines
The Polish office of Ukraine-based Wecan.dev gaming company is collecting and delivering donations of medical supplies to help the women and men on the battle lines. The Wecan team is requesting essential medical equipment and supplies. See the list of items needed.
Send supplies directly to:
KM LOGISTICS
ZO.O. 37 733 PIKULICE NEHRYBKA 208
POLAND
Contact: [email protected]
Support Independent Ukrainian Media Covering the War
As the war rages on in Ukraine, media across the country continue to operate under challenging circumstances in their battle to bring credible information to the world. This GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support multiple Ukrainian media by raising funds to help them purchase security equipment, pay drivers, fund medical care, etc… There is also a separate fundraiser for the Kyiv Independent.
