Ukraine: charities encourage product donations via Global Hand

Wholesalers wishing to donate products in response to the Ukraine crisis are encouraged to offer their help through https://www.globalhand.org/en/documents/ukraine

Charities that usually prefer financial donations refer companies wishing to donate provisions to Global Hand. These charities include:

• BITC (Business in the Community, UK)
• British Red Cross
• CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, UK)
• DEC (Disasters Emergency Committee, UK)
• Oxfam Great Britain
• Save the Children
• UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees)
• UNICEF UK (The United Nations Children’s Fund)

Global Hand reports that NGOs in its network are requesting the following food items in bulk:

• long-shelf-life food (no ready-to-eat meals)
• canned goods
• potatoes (packs)
• food that contains beans
• energy/nutritional bars
• rice meal pack (with added protein/vitamins)
• bulk commodities such as rice, sugar, flour
• instant or brewed coffee and tea
• water

If you have products to donate, Global Hand can connect you with experienced partners who are able to place the items where most needed: https://www.globalhand.org/en/documents/ukraine

The non-profit organisation adds that its partners with logistical expertise and years of experience sending humanitarian aid from the UK to Europe are advising against individuals or community groups exporting/driving humanitarian goods into Europe at the moment. This is because of the difficulty in handling the paperwork to clear Customs.

“The process is very difficult, and best handled by organisations already experienced in this area,” a spokesperson said. “If you have already have new goods you are offering to drive, you might consider donating them through our website to our experienced partners.”