It’s been one year since the war in Ukraine began. From the beginning of the conflict, Convoy of Hope, a disaster relief nonprofit based in Springfield, has been offering help and hope to the country.
In a press release issued by Convoy of Hope, president Hal Donaldson reinforced his company's stance on providing relief to Ukraine during the ongoing crisis.
“Convoy of Hope remains committed to delivering food and other essentials to people who have been impacted by war,” Donaldson said in the release. “Convoy will continue working to give them hope for the future.”
Within the first week of the war, Convoy of Hope was able to secure a warehouse and distribution network to get supplies to Ukraine from surrounding countries. Ethan Forhetz, national spokesperson and vice president of public engagement for Convoy of Hope, recounts how quickly the convoy was able to anticipate the need for assistance in Ukraine.
“Everyone saw that the war was advancing. We immediately started working out of a warehouse in Poland. Now, we are working out of a warehouse in Ukraine to get supplies to refugees in the country,” said Forhetz in an interview with the Daily Citizen.
When the war began in Ukraine, Convoy of Hope was unable to buy food directly from Ukraine to give to the citizens in need due to the war.
“We were able to buy food from surrounding countries, and ship it over that way, which is easier to get supplies to get to a country fast,” Forhetz said. “We have good relations with the surrounding countries, and we get sent hundreds of containers from our distribution center from other countries.”
Since the beginning of the war, eight million refugees have fled to surrounding countries. Citizens had fled to churches and community centers in Poland, where Convoy of Hope was able to assist displaced Ukrainian refugees.
Nearly 50 percent of the country's power infrastructure has been destroyed. Even though the convoy does not assist in repairing infrastructure, it does provide generators to the country in places of gatherings like churches and community centers to help ease harsh winters ongoing in the country.
Much of the Convoy of Hope’s services were spread by word of mouth throughout the country. Forhetz mentioned just how fast word spreads during crucial circumstances.
“We have communities of partners sometimes three times a week to drop off groceries and food in cities in Ukraine. The word spreads very quickly in a situation like this. Everyone knows where the goods are going as it’s consistent,” said Forhetz.
There is still much to be done.
“Winter is still in full swing in Ukraine. The coldest months last through March,” a recent Convoy of Hope news update reads. “Convoy of Hope is distributing winterization supplies like winter clothing and generators to help combat the dangers that come with facing a winter without consistent access to heat and vital supplies.”
