When a ferry filled with Ukraine refugees approached the Romanian border, it was exceptionally cold. Along the Danube River, successive waves of people poured in. Many were carrying a suitcase in one hand and a child in the other. “This is a completely different situation than we have ever experienced,” said Jeffrey Kim, head of Humanitarian Operations for Good Neighbors.
Founded 30 years ago in South Korea, the organization has a lot of experience implementing development projects and offering humanitarian aid all around the world. Yet, in Ukraine's case, they knew from the get-go that it would be a crisis of huge proportions.
The Good Neighbors team arrived in Romania on March 3. After two meeting-filled days, they moved to the borders of Giurgiuleșt and Isaccea to help Ukrainians entering the country. Some refugees were reuniting with family members who had already escaped, others were heading to friends’ homes in other cities. The majority, though, had no connection and fell lost in a foreign country. “They didn’t know what to do, and we could see how scared the children were,” continued Kim.
Capacity gaps
Anxiety at the borders is palpable. According to Kim, Romania has a certain level of response capacity to deliver minimum humanitarian aid to the influx of refugees. However, there are critical gaps. “The biggest needs we are addressing are protection for children at shelters, psychosocial support, access to information, and prevention of human trafficking.”
One of the first things Good Neighbors coordinated was transportation. To make sure people are getting to shelters safely, they are operating two buses and transporting about 100 people a day. Aside from helping refugees, the nonprofit is also sending food and medication to vulnerable people who remain in Ukraine.
Good Neighbors Canada is one of the organization’s international offices. Located in London, Ontario, the registered charity is fundraising to bring emergency relief to the people of Ukraine. “This is our priority now. In a global effort, we raised over $962,000, but the humanitarian need continues to rise,” said Hyang Cho, Good Neighbors Canada’s Executive Director. “Please visit our website if you can donate. Every little bit helps.”
Join Good Neighbors’ global campaign at: https://goodneighborscanada.ca/ukraine-crisis-appeal
Tess van Oortmerssen is a Journalist who is passionate about telling compelling stories. She has built a career in strategic communications and has been working in the nonprofit sector for almost 10 years. Prior to her position as a Marketing and Communications Coordinator for Good Neighbors Canada, she has had the opportunity to live in Brazil, the United States, and England.
