Looks like a cold one is on the horizon, and not just for those who are officially recognized as refugees. Since February 24th, Katalyst Kitchens has been distributing healthy, local food to thousands of families every week, over HALF A MILLION POUNDS in the first six months. We served over 16,000 families, and with your help, we'd like to help them through the winter, with clothing, bedding and home repairs.
Since things have more or less stabilized, about 90k Ukrainians have decided to stay here in Moldova, half of which are children. Many packed light, expecting to return soon. They're still here. We hear their friends and family are also heading this way, mostly because there's serious doubt about Ukraine's energy security. And it's not just a problem of supply, prices are expected to be record-setting, and that really hits hard when you're living off savings & donations.
When refugees come for a weekly food box, they'll choose from one of the following: waterproof boots, full-size blanket, hat & gloves or house slippers & pack of socks. Everything is made in Moldova. The cheapest way to reduce heat loss from an old home is to install a temporary seal on the windows, like you see on TV, that shrink with a hairdryer (they actually work). And, we'd hire more Ukrainians to install them, (we already employ 9 to manage distribution of food donations).
Winter is already hard enough, with decreasing daylight, mobility challenges and holidays. Let's soften the burden to those who were displaced by the Ukraine conflict, by helping them keep their homes warmer and their bodies well-fed.
