Ukraine is now into her fifth day of defending against Russia’s unprovoked invasion.

As of February 27 (Sunday), at least 352 civilians – including 14 children – have been killed and 1,684 people have been injured.

We’ve talked about prayer: Now it’s time for practical help for the most vulnerable and needy who are caught in the war.

How can we help Ukraine? Here are 5 organisations you can consider donating to.

1. Singapore Red Cross

Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is appealing for funds for Ukraine from February 25 to May 31 to raise US$100,000 for affected communities.

According to their website — where you’ll also find donation details — your contribution “will go towards the provision of relief supplies such as hygiene kits, family kits and household kits for the vulnerable who are displaced by the conflict”.

An estimated 3 million people in the country rely on humanitarian aid and 850,000 are displaced, says the SRC, with this number expected to surge because of the escalation in conflict.

SRC is a local humanitarian organisation that was established in 1949. It is dedicated to relieving human suffering, protecting human lives and dignity, and responding to emergencies.

2. World Vision Singapore

World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation with branches in nearly 100 countries. Working with children, families and communities to tackle the causes of poverty and injustice, they have been serving people from all backgrounds since 1950.

As part of its Ukraine Emergency Response, World Vision Singapore has raised an appeal for funds to support emergency actions for “displaced children and families in Ukraine and neighbouring countries”.

Citing figures from the United Nations, the non-profit pointed out that 100,000 people have already fled to the Ukrainian borders. 

World Vision’s teams in Eastern Europe are also making preparations to assist children and their families should they be forcibly displaced as refugees to Romania. 

You can find the full donation details here.

3. UNICEF Ukraine

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is a United Nations humanitarian aid agency for children with a presence in over 190 countries. UNICEF Ukraine was first set up in 1997 in Kyiv. 

At this time, the organisation is supporting “health, nutrition, HIV prevention, education, safe drinking water, sanitation and protection for children and families caught in the conflict in eastern Ukraine”.

According to a page detailing its emergency response, “intensifying hostilities in Ukraine pose an immediate threat to the lives and wellbeing of the country’s 7.5 million children”.

It also notes that “heavy weapons fire has already damaged critical water infrastructure and education facilities in recent days”. 

If you’d like to make a difference in the lives of young ones caught in an active war zone, donate here. 

4. Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders is the international name for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

Within Ukraine, the medical humanitarian organisation has helped to improve healthcare access, run mental health programme and treat people with HIV and drug-resistant TB.

In response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Doctors without Borders has since mobilised an “emergency preparedness response to be ready for a variety of potential needs”. Its supply centres are also readying medical kits for rapid dispatch. 

You can read more on their response to the crisis here. Full details on the work of Doctors without Borders in Ukraine can also be found here.

If you’d like to donate, this page is where you can do so. 

5. International Committee of the Red Cross

Established in 1863, the ICRC is an independent organisation with a special focus on serving those affected by war and armed conflict. Working in more than 100 countries, it has been operating in Ukraine since 2014. 

Teams on the ground are now looking “to repair vital infrastructure, support health facilities with medicines and equipment, and support families with food and hygiene items”.

You can read more of ICRC’s insights and response here. Donation details can be found here.

• And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. (Hebrews 13:16)
• Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord and he will reward them for what they have done. (Proverbs 19:17)
• and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday. (Isaiah 58:10)

In this time of great darkness for Ukraine, let us pray and also provide the practical help that people need.

May healing, hope and peace be sown as we give. May God’s light shine upon Ukraine and Russia and bless the nations.