UKRAINE. FAMILIES IN WAR ZONE NEED URGENT HELP.

Summer is a time of joy and relaxation for everyone. Children look forward to summer especially much.

Although the war continues, we cannot but fulfill their hopes. Many Ukrainian families are now in need, meaning that parents have neither the means to provide their children with a vacation trip nor the time to organize leisure activities for them.

We have organized a summer day camp for children from migrant families and families with low incomes at the Way Home Foundation's central location in Odesa. There we try to create a safe, interesting and inspiring space for them.

Children play together, become more confident, socialize better, acquire various life skills, and improve their physical and mental health.

However, the external conditions do not help to improve our mood. Russian bombing has significantly damaged Ukraine's energy system, including power plants, and continues to do so. Therefore, regular blackouts have been resumed since spring in all regions, including Odesa. Every day, the power is cut off for 12-20 hours, i.e. for most of the day. During this time, even mobile communications and the Internet do not work. People cannot use either refrigerators, air conditioners or fans during the abnormal heat of up to +42C degrees that has been going on in Ukraine throughout July.

These circumstances have an extremely negative impact on all spheres of life: from the economy and food security to the psychological state of city residents. The heat in some cities has doubled the number of patients in the therapeutic departments of hospitals in the past year.

The premises of the Way Home Foundation have power generators, so we do not stop providing services during blackouts. Refugees from the war live in our shelter, have meals, receive humanitarian and social aid and expert advice. People who cannot cook at home can get food in our social cafe.

Of course, power generators require a lot of fuel. That is why we would be grateful for your donation.