The Dutch are massively showing their solidarity with the Ukrainians. A tour of the aid organizations behind the giro numbers that were opened as a result of the war in the country shows this.
On Giro555, which was opened today for aid to Ukraine, the counter stood at more than 3.1 million euros at 4 p.m., or 3,173,692 euros to be precise. The collaborating aid organizations behind the giro number announced this on Tuesday afternoon. With the proceeds, the organizations provide emergency aid such as shelter, medical care and clean drinking water to Ukrainians affected by the war crisis. ,,We are moved that the Dutch are massively committed to Ukrainians. The Netherlands shows solidarity and that is fantastic to see,” says action chairman Kees Zevenbergen of Giro555.
In the event of exceptional disasters, eleven collaborating aid organizations join forces under the name Giro555. The aid organizations behind this campaign include the Refugee Foundation, CARE Nederland, Oxfam Novib, Save the Children, Unicef, the Dutch Red Cross and Kerk in Actie.
Refugee and Red Cross Foundation
The joint Giro555 has put an end to the giro numbers that the Refugee Foundation and the Red Cross had previously opened for donations for aid to Ukraine. Via Giro999 from the first aid organization, 2.8 million euros were received in five days (Thursday to Monday). That is a lot, according to spokesman Wouter Booij. “The Netherlands is in great solidarity with the Ukraine,” he says on the phone from Poland, more specifically near the Ukrainian-Polish border crossing Medyka. “The large numbers of refugees and their situation are very intense, but fortunately they are well received.”
In four days, the Red Cross raised no less than 3.7 million euros for Ukraine via giro 5125, says spokeswoman Iris van Deinse. The giro number was opened at 5 p.m. on Thursday. A day later, half a million euros had already been received. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday another 3.2 million euros was added. “We observe an enormous willingness to give among the people in the Netherlands,” said the spokeswoman.
We notice an enormous willingness to give among the people in the Netherlands
The Red Cross spends the donations on humanitarian aid for Ukraine and neighboring countries. The aid organization has now distributed 30,000 packages of food and hygiene products in Ukraine and brought tens of thousands of liters of clean drinking water to important places such as hospitals, according to a press release.
The Red Cross is also active in neighboring countries with the reception and support of people who flee, including in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary and Romania. Emergency teams distribute water, food and toiletries and first aid is provided. The organization also provides temporary accommodation and SIM cards are handed out. “So that they can better keep in touch with loved ones on the run or in Ukraine,” said the Red Cross.
Giro555 was opened in recent years for the fight against corona in poor countries, the earthquake on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi and the fight against Ebola. The aid organizations are present in the area themselves or through local partner organizations and mutually coordinate who provides what aid where. For example, the Red Cross provides first aid training to people who take shelter in metro stations and air raid shelters in Ukraine, and mobile UNICEF teams provide psychosocial care to affected families and children who are especially vulnerable.
Watch our videos about the war in Ukraine here:
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