Convoy Helps Provide a New Hope in Ukraine

April 2, 2024 | 4:21 p.m.

“I want to go home, but I can’t.”

This is the reality for many Ukrainians living through the now two-year war in their country. They don’t have a home to go back to. The United Nations reports that the number of Ukrainian refugees in Europe has surpassed 5 million. 

Times of war are filled with uncertainty, but where there is compassion, there is hope. Thank you for your support: You make this long-term response possible.

February 21, 2024 | 3:55 p.m.

The end of February marks two years since the war in Ukraine began, and the need is still great. The United Nations Refugee Agency estimates that 14.6 million Ukrainians will need humanitarian assistance in 2024. 

Now, two years into the conflict, Convoy is still working to bring help and hope to Ukrainians in need. Convoy has distributed more than 50 million meals to those left devastated by the war. And we’re not done. The war in Ukraine continues, and so does Convoy’s response. 

When the conflict first began, Convoy of Hope immediately took action. Within weeks of the war’s start, Convoy’s team quickly procured a warehouse and established a distribution network that reached all the way to the frontlines.

Ukrainians have lost their homes, livelihoods, and stability. If able, they’ve fled for their lives and the lives of their children. And even in safer areas, they’ve found themselves living in the middle of winter without access to consistent heat or electricity. 

When a person loses their home and their life completely changes, a meal can mean the world. When parents flee with their children for safety but there is no guarantee when they will eat next, a meal is a burden lifted from their shoulders.

“When the aid comes to us, we feel that we are not alone,” said Andrii, one of Convoy’s partners in Ukraine.

In addition to the meals, Convoy has partnered with many different businesses and organizations to meet different needs in Ukraine.

• • Big Blanket Co. has partnered with Convoy of Hope to provide warm blankets to Ukrainians as they grapple with harsh winter conditions. Some 1,500 blankets have been distributed to Ukrainians in need since the start of 2023. 

• • ROMA Boots partnered with Convoy of Hope to provide boots to refugee children displaced by the ongoing• conflict. 

• • Through partnership with Champion Power Equipment, Convoy has sent more than 1,200 generators to Ukrainians so far. Generators are crucial in providing power during rolling blackouts, which are caused by damaged infrastructure.

“You really are a great help,” said Andrii. “You can’t fully imagine or realize how much you are helping the people of Ukraine.”

With the help of generous donors and partners, Convoy of Hope continues to provide a sense of comfort and hope in the middle of a time of uncertainty and devastation.

January 26, 2024 | 11:59 a.m.

It’s been nearly two years since the current war began in Ukraine. This will be the third winter Ukrainians have had to endure amid the chaos and unknowns that come with living in a conflict zone. 

Power outages, food shortages, and lack of secure shelter are all challenges families in Ukraine face every day. With temperatures dropping below freezing at night, winterization supplies are vital.

Big Blanket Co. has partnered with Convoy of Hope to provide warm blankets to Ukrainians as they grapple with harsh winter conditions. Some 1,500 blankets have been distributed to Ukrainians in need since the start of 2023. 

During the Christmas season, Convoy partnered with a local church in Ukraine to distribute 5,000 kits of candies and toys to children who were forced to flee from their war-torn communities. Though Christmas looked worlds different to children in Ukraine, Convoy helped bring a sense of joy to their families during this darkest time in their lives.

Despite increasingly challenging circumstances, Convoy remains committed to providing help and hope to the people of Ukraine, whether that’s through vital supplies for winterization or a simple gift of candy and a toy. Thank you for helping Convoy make a difference.

December 15, 2023 | 9:38 a.m.

Recently, a Ukrainian van full of relief supplies from Convoy of Hope encountered the dangerous reality of providing hope in a conflict zone. 

This video shows the very real threat that volunteer drivers face every time they deliver relief within Ukraine. Sadly, circumstances like this have not been uncommon since Convoy started serving survivors of the war in 2022.

Nearly two years have passed since the war began, and Convoy of Hope is still on the ground providing relief to the devastated people of Ukraine. Harsh winter conditions are on the horizon, and there is fear that infrastructure will be targeted again — this means supplies like generators, warm clothing, shoes, and tarps are vital for survival.

Convoy will continue providing relief in Ukraine. Despite the challenges our team and partners have faced, we are still delivering help and hope to the people who need it most.

September 6, 2023 | 4:15 p.m.

Convoy of Hope is partnering with International Relief Teams to provide tarps for damaged homes in Ukraine’s Donetsk region.

Check out the video below to hear testimonials from survivors who received tarps from Convoy of Hope.

July 21, 2023 | 11:11 a.m.

Since the start of the war to now, Convoy of Hope has served nearly 4 million Ukrainians. With more than 36.4 million meals served, Convoy has brought help and hope to people devastated by the violence and unrest.

Before the war, Ukraine was one of the world’s largest exporters of grain. Now, Ukraine’s grain production is down 35% to 40% due to rising export costs and occupied fields. Additionally, Russia has terminated its part in the Black Sea Grain Initiative, meaning it will no longer enable Ukrainian cargo ships to pass safely out of Ukrainian ports.

This poses threats to food security in vulnerable countries, especially the Horn of Africa, where countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Somalia are experiencing a yearslong severe drought. 

Convoy of Hope will continue to provide relief for Ukrainians and those affected by the war — including vulnerable people in the Horn of Africa.

June 20, 2023 | 7:00 a.m.
WORLD REFUGEE DAY

Since February 2022, roughly six million refugees have fled into surrounding countries. People are living in cold-weather conditions without access to consistent heat or electricity.

Take a moment to watch the stories of those you have aided and be assured of the difference your generosity is making.

June 12, 2023 | 4:45 p.m.

Convoy of Hope is working with partners on the ground in Ukraine to send loads of supplies to the Kherson region, an area that was recently flooded after a dam collapsed. These supplies will provide much-needed relief to those who lost their homes in the flood.

June 8, 2023 | 3:38 p.m.

Yesterday, a dam collapsed in war-torn southern Ukraine, flooding homes and stranding hundreds of people on top of their roofs. The Kakhovka hydroelectric dam collapsed and emptied into the Dnieper River. The area was already suffering from the violent conflict that started more than a year ago.

With the added flooding from the dam break, tens of thousands of people are deprived of clean drinking water and adequate shelter. The flood waters ruined crops, displaced land mines, and set the stage for even more long-term electricity shortages.

The flooding adds another layer of devastation for an already vulnerable population. Convoy of Hope’s partners in the area estimate that more than 80 communities are flooded as a result. Convoy is responding with loads of relief supplies and remains committed to providing relief and help to those in need.

May 17, 2023 | 4:23 p.m.

It’s been more than a year since the war in Ukraine started. The crisis is increasing, and Ukrainians in and outside the country are still suffering. Roughly 11 million people in Ukraine are considered food insecure. Damage to critical infrastructure has left over 12 million people with limited to no electricity.

The war has left many people destitute, destroying their homes and livelihoods. Food production and supply lines are disrupted by fighting, which limits reliable access to nutritious food. Many people who fled at the beginning of the war have nothing to return to.

Convoy of Hope is still working with partners in the area to provide help and relief to people. More than 425 containers have been shipped to the region for distribution to people in need. More than 3 million people have received relief in the form of food, water, baby care supplies, and more. 

As the need in and around Ukraine continues, so will Convoy of Hope’s response.

March 30, 2023 | 11:30 a.m.

To date, nearly 400 containers from Convoy of Hope have been delivered, cleared, or are in transit to countries across Europe in response to the war in Ukraine. Most recently, Convoy shipped 20 containers of rice and several generators to help those affected by the war.

In the first few months of 2023, Convoy’s partners in Ukraine delivered 45 loads to local churches from the new operations warehouse on the outskirts of Kyiv. The delivery of these containers will help churches and partners in Ukraine cope with the growing number of internally displaced people. As one of Convoy’s disaster responders recently said, “It is hard to communicate the massive amount of need that still exists across the country.”

One of those needs is for the very basics, such as bread. “I never thought that bread could be so delicious, and never thought I would actually dream about bread!” said Vitaly, one of the people Convoy has served in Ukraine. 

Like most Ukrainians, Vitaly was not prepared for the war’s escalation. Basic services, such as light, water, and gas, were gone. Peace and tranquility disappeared. Shops, pharmacies, and grocery stores closed.

“The streets have become empty and gray, scary and dangerous,” said Vitaly. “Because of the roar of military equipment, bombing, and constant gunfire, the basement has become one of the safest places for many people.”

With food suddenly in short supply, the everyday occurrence of freshly baked bread suddenly became a luxury. But Convoy of Hope provided Vitaly and his community with this basic necessity … and gave them a source of unexpected hope.

“It is impossible to forget this feeling when you are holding this fragrant loaf of bread in your hands,” said Vitaly. “No matter how much I wanted to eat it myself in one breath, I knew that there were other people waiting for it in the basement. I had to share.” 

Vitaly also had a message for Convoy of Hope and its supporters: “Kind people! Thank you for this moment of happiness, when you are holding bread in your hand and have a chance to eat! Thank you so much!”

Convoy of Hope, local organizations, and church partners are still working tirelessly to provide essential supplies across the region. Through our network of partners and supporters, hope is being delivered to millions of people in Ukraine and throughout Eastern Europe.

March 10, 2023 | 10:26 a.m.

The war in Ukraine is ongoing, leaving many people in dire circumstances. Electricity is still unreliable. Without electricity, businesses cannot run, stores cannot remain open, and food becomes more scarce. The lack of power further exacerbates an already desperate situation, making it difficult for people to function in their daily lives. The suffering of Ukrainians is palpable as they bear the brunt of the war. Many live in constant fear and uncertainty, unsure of what the future may bring. 

Mykhailo, Margarita, and their 5-year-old daughter lived near Kyiv. “On February 24, [2022], we woke up and saw all of the missed calls on our phones from family and friends,” Margarita recalls. “Then the military airfield next to us was hit by several missiles.”

Their family spent 10 days in their cellar. “I prayed every night,” Margarita said. “You don’t know when the next [missile] will fly over and where it will hit.” The fighting intensified in their city, and the school across the street was hit by a bomb. The supports in their cellar swayed as the battle came within a block of their house. 

Mikhail and Margarita fled to a safer region. Through Convoy of Hope, they found shelter at a church in western Ukraine. They’re still there, waiting for an end to the war and the ability to start life again. 

Rice that was grown and donated by farmers in Missouri is delivered to Ukranians.

The need in Ukraine is great and Convoy of Hope is working hard to meet these needs. Convoy recently sent truckloads of rice to Ukraine to help supplement meals. Additionally, Convoy is continuing to provide and distribute generators to ensure people have consistent access to electricity. Amid the turmoil and chaos of the ongoing chaos, Convoy of Hope is there to provide hope and a lifeline to survivors in desperate need.

February 24, 2023 | 7:50 a.m.

Since the beginning of the war, Convoy of Hope has been providing relief and hope for Ukrainians in and outside of the country. What started as distributions in Poland serving Ukrainian refugees has since grown into a network of partnerships that reaches Ukrainians in Ukraine and all over Europe.

The need is still high. As Convoy of Hope looks to the future of its response, a new phase of distribution has begun. The warehouse in Poland is moving to distribute from a warehouse in Ukraine. In partnership with local organisations and churches, relief supplies will be distributed across the country — often in locations close to the frontline or that have been recently liberated. The need is dire in these locations as they are often without electricity and water.

Since moving the warehouse to Ukraine, the distribution process is much smoother. Now, trucks leave the warehouse and go directly to the churches and organisations to begin distributing supplies. Additionally, Convoy can now source supplies from within Ukraine. This has helped cut costs by 30%, meaning more supplies can be procured and distributed into the hands of people who desperately need them.

Recently, Convoy of Hope partnered with Carhartt® to distribute coats to children in Ukraine.

Winter is still in full swing in Ukraine. The coldest months last through March. Convoy of Hope is distributing winterisation 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.

The conflict in Ukraine continues, so Convoy of Hope continues helping people in need. With the help of generous donors and in partnerships with organisations and churches on the ground, Convoy of Hope will continue to provide a sense of comfort and hope in the middle of a time of uncertainty and devastation.

February 22, 2023 | 2:16 p.m.

On February 24, 2022, the war in Ukraine began. One year later, Ukrainians are still suffering. Nearly 50% of the power infrastructure in Ukraine has been destroyed. Many people do not have access to consistent power or heat. Rolling blackouts mean some areas go 24 to 48 hours without power. Combined with winter weather and below-freezing temperatures, Ukrainians are facing the fear of freezing to death. 

Convoy of Hope is responding with winterization supplies and support. In the first two months of 2023 alone, Convoy of Hope has sent more than 50 loads of supplies to the people affected by the ongoing conflict. Currently, Convoy of Hope is focused on empowering organizations within Ukraine with resources to distribute to people in need. In partnership with a network of local churches and organizations, people all over Ukraine are receiving food, water, generators, winter clothing, and more. 

These partners set up a distribution center location. To reach more people in need, they load vans and buses with supplies and take them to people who can’t travel to the distribution locations. 

“I don’t think you can quite describe the way it feels to give a coat to a kid and see their eyes light up,” said Convoy of Hope partner Joel Colon. “Especially in those areas [where] none of the stores are working. Even if [parents] wanted to buy their kid a coat, they can’t.” 

At the beginning of the war, sourcing supplies from inside Ukraine was difficult and, at some times, impossible. Now, Convoy of Hope purchases most of the food-related supplies from within Ukraine, cutting down costs, providing more supplies, and stimulating the country’s economy. 

“[Survivors] are so happy that someone has cared about them and brought them aid,” Joel said. “They are completely downtrodden and in many ways, [they have] lost hope. So you’re bringing them aid, but you’re also bringing them the idea that they’re not forgotten and that you want to help them. Emotionally, that’s a huge thing for them.” 

With the help of generous donors, Convoy of Hope is providing relief and hope amid a state of complete devastation for survivors. To support Convoy’s work serving people still inside Ukraine and refugees around the world, donate here.

February 20, 2023 | 10:30 a.m.

The end of February marks one year since the war in Ukraine began. Since February 2022, roughly 5.3 million Ukrainians have been internally displaced. Eight million refugees have fled into surrounding countries. People are living in cold-weather conditions without access to consistent heat or electricity.

When the conflict first began, Convoy immediately took action. Within a week of the start of the war, Convoy of Hope’s team quickly procured a warehouse and distribution network to begin fulfilling the needs of the people affected by the war. Miraculously, processes and paperwork that would typically take weeks only took Convoy’s teams a few hours.

Strategically Placed Warehouses in Poland & Romania

Convoy of Hope was there to help when 3 million refugees fled into Poland within a month of the war starting. The majority of the refugees were women and children with nowhere to go once they crossed the border. Buses full of devastated people poured into surrounding nations. 

Convoy set up a warehouse and distribution center in Poland and Romania to help meet the needs of vulnerable people as they fled from their homes. Teams provided hot meals at the border of Poland and Ukraine to refugees as they fled for their lives.

“The response of Europe and Poland, especially, was unprecedented,” said Convoy’s Ryan Grabill. “They welcomed refugees by the millions and then figured out how to provide housing, jobs, refugee status, and importation rules as they went about it. When talking with families in Ukraine, I heard many people say the same thing: ‘We didn’t know we had friends.’ Many Ukrainians thought every border of theirs would be shut and they would have no way out.”

In total, Convoy has served Ukrainian refugees in 16 countries around the world, distributing millions of meals and more than 8 million pounds of relief supplies to people in need. 

The Bravery of Drivers, Partners & Teams

In the year that followed, Convoy of Hope continued distributing supplies from its warehouse in Poland. Truck drivers would drive from Ukraine into Poland, load the trucks, and make the dangerous trek back into Ukraine to begin distributions. Without their bravery, Convoy of Hope would not have been able to reach as many people so quickly.

Since the start of the war, Convoy of Hope has expanded its reach further into Ukraine through partnerships with local organisations, church networks, and government offices. To date, Convoy has provided more than 325 truckloads worth of food, hygiene supplies, winter clothing, generators, and other essentials. In addition to containers, relief supplies are being delivered by plane or train, and are often purchased locally.

The people of Ukraine have seen complete devastation, felt the heavy weight of grief, and experienced innumerable losses. But Convoy of Hope — because of generous donors, partners, and volunteers — provides hope to people during the darkest days of their lives. Every obstacle Convoy encountered was met with new partners, connections, and possibilities to help more people.

February 14, 2023 | 3:40 p.m.

There are now more than 8 million Ukrainian refugees across Europe and 5.4 million internally displaced people within Ukraine. The toll on civilians has been devastating, and the need is still high.

The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights has recorded nearly 7,200 civilian casualties since the conflict began almost one year ago.

Convoy of Hope continues to distribute relief supplies across the affected regions through local organizations and church partners. One of the dangers posed to many displaced people is the cold weather. As temperatures drop below freezing at night, the need for winter clothing is crucial. Convoy has made this the main focus of distributions during cold weather months.

In November, Convoy of Hope partnered with Demi Tebow and ROMA Boots to provide boots for refugee children displaced by the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since then, more boots have arrived and are being distributed.

“Our partnership with ROMA has made a big difference here. To see kids smiling as they get to put on brand new boots is a spot of light in a dark time,” said Convoy’s Neemias Cortes.

Convoy of Hope’s partnership with ROMA Boots is one of many that helps fulfil the mission of providing hope to vulnerable people. Convoy teams will continue to provide relief for Ukrainians affected by the war and winter weather.

January 27, 2023 | 12:09 p.m.

As the conflict in Ukraine continues, more and more families are seeking refuge in and outside its borders. Convoy of Hope remains committed to helping Ukrainians and meeting their needs with consistent truckloads of relief supplies.

“There is still help needed in Ukraine as the war continues on and more missile strikes happen. More families are moving out potentially,” said Convoy’s Ryan Grabill. 

In addition to internally displaced people, Convoy of Hope is working to alleviate needs for refugees in nine surrounding countries — Austria, Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. In all, Convoy is serving people in 16 countries who have been affected by the war.

As the war enters its twelfth month, people around the world are still invested in the lives of Ukrainians. “Churches in the U.S. really wanted to do something [for Ukraine],” said Convoy’s Kelby Marlin. “So we’re picking up a lot of loads stateside for an international event.”

These supplies are desperately needed. Half of Ukraine’s power infrastructure has now been destroyed, which puts millions of people at risk. With temperatures rarely rising above freezing and the expected snow next week, Convoy’s winterization kits will be vital assets for surviving the brutal winter conditions.

January 13, 2023 | 11:05 a.m.

As the number of Ukrainian refugees across Europe looms closer to 8 million, Convoy of Hope continues to respond to the needs of survivors inside and outside of the country. The greatest needs are supplies that are vital to survive the present and coming winter.

One way Convoy has provided relief is by supplying generators to as many people as possible. In late December, roughly 9 million Ukrainians were without electricity. Along with the generators and regularly supplied food kits, Convoy has provided winterization kits that contain hats, gloves, and coats.

During this past holiday season, Convoy of Hope worked with local churches, as well as our partner in Ukraine — We Stand With Ukraine — to distribute more than 6,900 gift boxes to kids inside the country.

The displacement crisis in Ukraine is the largest the world has seen since World War II. Along with the 8 million refugees fleeing to surrounding countries, an additional 6 million people are displaced within the country itself.

With lowering temperatures standard to Ukraine’s winter season, displaced people are experiencing difficulties finding safe, liveable shelter. Within the next 10 days, temperatures are expected to drop drastically.

Lowered temperatures have already created difficult living conditions, especially for those who have found shelter in abandoned basements and subway stations. When exposed to cold-weather conditions like what is expected next week, it can take less than 30 minutes for frostbite to set in. Untreated frostbite can lead to growth complications in children, tetanus, gangrene, hypothermia, and more.

Convoy remains committed to supporting the people of Ukraine — both inside and outside of the country — and will continue to work with partners to provide hope for a better tomorrow.

Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, Convoy of Hope has been responding to need by supplying food and supplies into Ukraine and feeding families and individuals on the border. The children in Ukraine have suffered from the war.

When the war began, caretakers at orphanages and parents across Ukraine knew the only sure way to keep their children safe: leave the country. But where could they go? How would they transport dozens of children safely through a war zone? And how would they feed everyone?

Watch this video to see how these brave volunteers stepped in to keep Ukrainian children safe and how Convoy of Hope was part of the solution.