The Knights of Columbus announced Feb. 25 a commitment of $1 million for immediate distribution to support Ukrainian refugees, including Ukrainian Knights and their families impacted by the recent Russian invasion of their country. The organization has also launched the Ukraine Solidarity Fund, an international fundraising campaign that will match all funds raised up to an additional $500,000.
In a message to Knights around the world, Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly encouraged the organization’s more than 2 million members to respond with continued prayers and material support.
“The situation in Ukraine is dire and worsening. The people of Ukraine and our brother Knights in that nation need our help,” the supreme knight wrote.
The relief funding will be used to provide shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing and religious goods, as well as other humanitarian needs as identified, both directly in Ukraine and through refugee sites in Poland. The Knights will work with both the Latin and Greek Catholic Churches in Ukraine, with dioceses and K of C councils in Poland, and with international humanitarian aid agencies to address needs quickly and effectively. Should fundraising efforts exceed immediate needs, consideration will be given to assist widows and orphans of brother Knights killed as a result of military action, and for assistance in resettlement and rebuilding for communities displaced by conflict and war.
Already, Knights in Poland are aiding Ukrainian refugees at the border and providing housing for refugee families. At regional centers across Poland, Knights are also collecting supplies — including medicine, generators, sleeping bags and other necessities — and have begun to deliver them to the Archdiocese of Lviv in western Ukraine.
In a Feb. 25 video message to the more than 1,800 Knights of Columbus in Ukraine, Supreme Knight Kelly said, “In this time of intense danger, know that your brother Knights of Columbus around the world are praying for you, your families and all the people of Ukraine. We ask that our Lord protect you and your loved ones and restore peace in your land. We ask that he give you strength and courage to persevere.”
The supreme knight’s entire video message can be viewed here.
For additional information about the Knights of Columbus Ukraine Solidarity Fund and how to donate, please click here.
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Knights of Columbus News Bureau
news@kofc.org, 475-255-0097