Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser

During a humanitarian crisis, it is often the needs of the marginalised and the most vulnerable in society which are overlooked. In Ukraine, people with disabilities are having to shelter in baths when bomb shelters are inaccessible. Many have been unable to evacuate using public transport or trains. 

We believe that no person should be left behind. That’s why we need your help to provide practical support for the 2.7 million Ukrainian children and adults with documented disabilities, and other vulnerable members of society.

Sophia (9) who has cerebral palsy and her mother Olia (29) play in the hallway of the Dzherelo Centre as Olia helps Sophia stand for a portrait (Emma Francis/@efranciswork)

We're distributing the wheelchairs through partner organisations across Ukraine - like the Dzherelo Centre, which supports children with disabilities like Sophia (above). The centre even has a fully operating workshop - so we're also sending them spare parts and supplies too, to ensure these wheelchairs can be used and repaired for years to come.

Andre (31) grabs tools to continue working on a wheelchair in the Dzherelo Centre's workshop (Emma Francis)

With your help, we've already raised enough to begin buying and transporting wheelchairs and accessories, to ensure people living with disabilities can evacuate safely and with dignity. Our first order of 50 self-propelling manual wheelchairs has already begun arriving in Ukraine!

Our first kids' wheelchairs arrive to the Dzherelo Centre in Lviv (photo: Van-Aid)Next, we want to purchase an adaptive vehicle to help with evacuations, and raise funds towards accessible short- and longer-term accommodation for those who have been able to leave Ukraine. We're also looking to supply high dependency wheelchairs and pushchairs for adults and children with complex needs. Any further funds will be used by Legacy of War Foundation to develop sustainable longer-term support for vulnerable communities in Ukraine.

With thanks to our partners:

^{Photos by Emma Frances (@efranciswork), unless credited otherwise. Header image: Sophia (9) plays with other disabled refugee children staying in the Dzherelo Centre.}