Within 36 hours of the Russian invasion in February 2022, the Knights of Columbus established the Ukraine Solidarity Fund to support humanitarian relief. We are committed to this effort and will be there for Ukraine, as long as it takes.
Over 6.9 Million Pounds of Supplies and Goods Sent
Over 220,000 Care Packages Delivered
60,000 Rosaries Distributed
Over 300,000 Refugees Welcomed at Mercy Centers
The Knights of Columbus has partnered with the International Catholic Migration Commission to support spiritual and psychological rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian soldiers and their families — as wives and children are often affected when a soldier suffers trauma from the violence of war. “The Knights of Columbus has been very, very generous in ... helping us to respond at a very local level,” said Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, secretary general of the ICMC.
The Knights of Columbus has partnered with the Internationaler Bund Polska Foundation to set up a center in Krakow where Ukrainian refugees can obtain essential supplies like food and hygiene products on a daily basis. “These are people who really have nothing,” said Ryszard Benda, a volunteer with Internationaler Bund Polska. Without the Knights’ support, he added, “running this facility would not be possible.”
Last summer, the Knights of Columbus partnered with the Zustricz Foundation in Poland to provide accommodation and counseling for Ukrainian students studying in Poland who couldn’t return to their country after the Russian invasion. Many of these young people had lost their homes and did not have any place to return to. “We want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to stay in the boarding school for the summer, and more broadly, for the humanitarian assistance and moral support,” said Kostya, one of the students from Vinnytsia, Ukraine.
9,000 Knights of Columbus in Poland and Ukraine deliver aid to those in need. Knights, volunteers, and Ukrainian refugees regularly prepare care packages provided through the Ukraine Solidarity Fund.
(February 2023) Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly gives firsthand look at ongoing aid, saying, ‘It’s a witness to the whole world that the answer to the problems we face is Jesus Christ.’
(December 2022) As the war wears on between Russia and Ukraine thousands of Ukrainian refugees and displaced families face a dark December. That's where the Knights of Columbus step in.
(March 2022) Facing a 'defining moment,' Knights of Columbus leader vows ongoing support for Ukraine.
As the situation in Ukraine continues to change, the need to support refugees continues to grow. The Knights of Columbus continue to work with our councils in Poland and Ukraine, the Latin and Greek Catholic Churches, and partner NGOs to provide temporary shelter, food, medical supplies, clothing, religious supplies, and other humanitarian needs as identified as the situation continues to change.
If you need to reach the Office of Charitable Giving regarding this fund or making a donation, you can do so Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00am to 4:30pm Eastern at 1-800-694-5713 or info@kofccharities.org.
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Visit Your mercies and compassions upon Your humble servants, those who defend Ukraine and her much-suffering people, and hear us who fall down before Your deep compassion. |
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For You are the health and victory and salvation of them that put their hope in You, and unto You do we send up glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen Adapted from the Byzantine liturgical tradition |