We are witnessing a humanitarian crisis in the heart of Europe. The war in Ukraine is destroying countless lives, tearing families apart and forcing many of them to seek refuge in neighbouring countries. Over two million people, mainly women and children, have crossed the border into Poland with what few belongings they can carry. Arriving exhausted, traumatised, and in urgent need of food, water and shelter, the Polish people have welcomed them with open arms. There are no refugee camps. These people have either found refuge in private homes or temporary accommodation run by charities or local government.

Since the war in Ukraine began, Impact has been supporting those in need. Our team in Poland have been given a day off every week to support arriving refugees. They sort through donated equipment, clothing and supplies in the many centres dedicated to helping people as they arrive. They meet and greet them at the train and bus stations, ensuring they have the basics of food, water and warm blankets/clothes before helping them to navigate to places of shelter or, in some cases, medical and psychological support. Our team shared some stories about their experiences, and we were moved to tears by their selflessness, generosity, and unabashed humanity. We wanted to share one of these stories with you from Impact Poland’s Head of Project Management, Monika Jamorska, you can read her story here.

We also support numerous trips from the UK to Ukraine with equipment and supplies. We are paying for the fuel and providing survival gear and essentials whilst also accommodating the drivers in our office en route. The most recent trip has delivered medical supplies and baby equipment to Lviv and is now returning to Warsaw with an ambulance full of passengers, including two grandparents and their cat.

With your help, we can do more. We have set up an appeal fund to buy essential supplies in Poland for refugees. Our team will use this money to purchase food, sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothes for the people they are helping, ensuring that every penny raised is put to positive use. We will donate any money leftover directly to Polish charities supporting refugees.

Impact, and I have provided a lump sum amount to get the fund started. Our board of directors have kindly donated their most recent board meeting fees. Any help you can give, no matter how small, will be appreciated and will be used to help the people who need it most directly. People who deserve to be shown respect. People who need to retain their dignity.

Thank you.

Yours sincerley,

David Williams - Impact's Founder and CEO