Our Work in Ukraine

In Solidarity with Ukraine

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.

$24M+ in charitable contributions

63,500+ donors

100% of donations goes to those we serve

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$24M+ contributed by 68,300+ donors

100% of your donation goes directly to aid those we serve through our charitable programs.

Over 10M+ lbs of Supplies Sent

300K+ Care Packages Provided

60K Rosaries Distributed

2M+ People Aided

Your Donations at Work

Sister Renata Jurczak of the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity delivers humanitarian aid packages provided by the Knights of Columbus

Relief Deliveries to Liberated Villages

With the help of the Knights of Columbus, sisters in Korotych navigated dangerous roads to deliver humanitarian aid. Their efforts brought essential food, hygiene items, and hope to war-affected families. “It was the biggest humanitarian aid gift we received,” said Sister Kamila Frydryszewska of the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity.

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Brothers Above Borders

Knights of Columbus across the U.S. are delivering tons of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and supporting refugees and orphans through direct action and local initiatives. “There are over 2 million [Knights of Columbus], and we will never all know each other. But because we know we have brothers all over the world, it motivates us to act together,” said Grand Knight Henry Michalkiewicz of Council 2531 in New Jersey.

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A Future Not Forgotten

Amid the turmoil of war, the Knights of Columbus are helping orphaned children pursue their dreams through a scholarship fund. “Orphans in Ukraine should not have to give up their education due to lack of funds. They’re given a chance because there are brothers ready to support their path”, said Ukraine State Deputy Mykola Mostovyak.

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A Gift from St. Albert

For over two decades, the Albertines have served the poorest of the poor in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine – a mission now strengthened by the Knights of Columbus. The Ukraine Solidarity Fund supports the Albertine Brothers' efforts by funding food transports, ensuring access to water, and donating power generators.

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Soldier holding a Ukrainian flag on top of a pile of rubble and burning town in the background.

In Solidarity with Ukraine

Amid the terror and violence of war, Knights of Columbus were among the first to respond to the needs of families who'd become refugees overnight. In this moving documentary on the first year of war, see a vivid example of what it means to be a Christian disciple in the midst of suffering, and how the light of Gospel continues to shine in darkness.

Our Work in the News

A group of people standing in a church, holding a large banner that reads 'Pray for Ukraine'.

Catholic Review

(February 2025) Prior to the third anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the Knights of Columbus called for prayers “for hope for Ukraine” and launched a novena on Feb. 15 to pray for widows, youth, orphans, veterans and all those affected by the full-scale Russian invasion.

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The Knights of Columbus organize Christmas celebrations for orphans and widows in Ukraine.

Vatican News

(January 2025) As the war in Ukraine nears its third year, the Knights of Columbus are caring for those who have lost loved ones by organizing Christmas dinners where participants can experience warmth, compassion, and support.

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Archbishop William E. Lori visited a cemetery in warn-torn Ukraine with the Knights of Columbus and is pictured with other priests and Knights.

Catholic Review

(November 2024) A U.S. delegation of the Knights of Columbus led by Archbishop of Baltimore William E. Lori made a solidarity visit to Ukraine in October, reaching Kyiv, Bucha and Lviv by train. The reality of suffering that presented itself before their eyes is dramatic, just as profound is the resilience shown by the Ukrainian people, who still deserve attention and support.

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Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly watches as a priest blesses a Knights of Columbus truck bearing aid for Ukraine.

Vatican News

(February 2024) As Russia’s war in Ukraine enters its third year, Patrick Kelly, the Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus, praises the heroism of the Ukrainian people and details the humanitarian assistance his organization continues to provide to refugees and people in need.

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Knights unloading a trailer of supplies.

Catholic Vote

(December 2024) Poland, which is Ukraine’s western neighbor, has welcomed approximately 980,000 refugees since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, according to the KofC. These refugees, especially the women and children, face significant economic challenges.

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Novena for Peace

O Lord God of powers, and God of our salvation, O God, who alone work wonders: look down with mercy and compassion on Your humble servants, and out of love for mankind hearken and have mercy on us and on the land of Ukraine.

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.

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
(“Prayer Service Sung in Times of War,” in Trebnyk, Book of Needs)

Prayer Card "Compassion" - Stations of the Cross

Rev Jonathan Kalisch looks at the camera.

Intro for Novena for Peace in Ukraine

In recognition of the fourth anniversary of the war in Ukraine, the Knights of Columbus encourages all to join us in praying a novena of solidarity with our 3,300 brother Knights and their families in Ukraine.

Novena for Ukraine

Day 1 - Pray for the Widows

For the women who have lost their husbands to the war. May the Lord fill the wounds of their hearts with the oil of grace, particularly the virtues of faith, hope and love.

Prayer for the Widows

Day 2 - Pray for the Orphans

For the orphans who lost their parents in the war, that the Lord who hears their cries may help them in all their needs and protect them from all dangers.

Prayer for the Orphans

Day 3 - Pray for the Parents Who Have Lost Children in the War

For the parents who have lost a son or daughter during the war, may the Lord strengthen their hearts and faith.

Prayer for the Lonely and Suffering

Emergency responder helping with paperwork.

Day 4 - Pray for Emergency Responders, Medical Professionals and Those They Care For

For those who save lives and those who are wounded, may the Heavenly Doctor bless them with wisdom and grace, healing all wounds.

Prayer for the Sick and Dying

Day 5 - Pray for the Veterans

For those forever changed by the crucible of war, that the Lord may heal their wounds, restore their strength and fill them with the breath of new life.

Prayer for Christian Patriotism

Day 6 - Pray for All Those Who Have Died During the War

For those who have died during the war, that the Lord will receive their souls into his loving arms.

Prayer for Christ Crucified

Group of women and children crossing the border

Day 7 - Pray for Internally Displaced People and Refugees

For all forced to leave their homes, that they may have trust and confidence in God’s care of them, and that they may feel at home with God wherever they are now.

Prayer for the Immigrants

Day 8 - Pray for Those in Captivity

For all those in captivity, that the Lord may give them endurance, help them remember they are not forgotten and strengthen their hearts in hope.

Prayer for the Imprisoned

Group of women listening while the woman in front hold a paint brush.

Day 9 - Pray for the Young People

For Ukrainian youth and their future, that the Lord may fill their hearts with courage and solidarity to stand together in overcoming evil with good and bearing one another’s burdens.

Prayer for the Young People

Map of Our Impact

10,000 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®.

Timeline of Our Impact

February 24, 2022 - War Begins

Russian forces began their full-scale invasion of Ukraine, attacking the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, and the country’s second-largest city, Kharkiv.

February 25, 2022 - In Solidarity with Ukraine

Knights Establish the Ukraine Solidarity Fund® committing $1 million toward humanitarian relief and pledging to match donations to the fund up to $500,000.

March 1, 2022 - Sending Support

Within days from the attack, a semi-truck filled with humanitarian aid collected by Knights in Poland made its way to Lviv in western Ukraine.

March 2022 - Welcoming Ukrainian Refugees

Mercy Center opened at the Poland-Ukrainian border where fleeing refugees find food, warmth, and rest.

March 2022 - Helping Children

Knights in Ukraine and Poland have responded to the needs of Ukrainian children – most vulnerable victims of the war - by providing housing, educational opportunities and more.

Hope for the Children of War

March 2022 - Polish Knights Open Their Homes

Families of Polish Knights gave shelter to Ukranian war refugees. Polish Knights prepared a database of families willing to welcome refugees into their homes.

March 2022 - A Safe Haven

Parish-based Mercy Centers opened in Poland to meet refugees’ needs and integrate them into the community.

April 2022 - Help for Orphans in Rava-Ruska

With support from the Knights of Columbus, a renovated monastery in the Archdiocese of Lviv opens its doors for dozens of foster children.

A Place to Call Home

April 2022 - Caring for God’s Children

Partnership between Caritas and Knights of Columbus to open a retreat center in Poland to operate an orphanage, offering love, safety, and stability to refugee children who have lost everything.

April 2022 - Sharing Light in the Dark

10,000 care packages assembled by Knights in Poland and distributed to displaced families in Ukraine during Holy Week to help them celebrate Easter.

May 2022 - Delivering Hope

Charity Convoys began delivering boxes of food and essential supplies for people displaced by war.

May 2022 - CNEWA Partnership

Thanks to the partnership with CNEWA Vatican agency, Knights continue to provide aid to refugees in Ukraine and at the border with Poland.

June 2022 - Distribution in Krakow

The Knights of Columbus 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.

June 2022 - Aid Reaches Eastern Ukraine

Knights are among the first ones to bring aid to the residents of the destroyed cities in Eastern Ukraine.

July 2022 - Knights Support Stranded Students

KofC partnered with the Zustricz Foundation in Poland to provide housing and counseling for Ukrainian students studying in Poland who couldn’t return to their country after the Russian invasion.

September 2022 - Taking in a Brother Knight

Canadian Knight Daniel Torchia gave shelter to his Ukrainian Brother fleeing the violence of war in his country.

September 2022 - Rosary in Ukraine

Andrey Sheptytsky Council 15804 in Ivano-Frankivsk began organizing a regular community rosary in response to a clear need for Refugees coming back from combat.

October 2022 - Coats for Ukraine

Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William E. Lori of Baltimore visits Poland and Ukraine to help distribute aid to refugees and to pray for peace with local Church leaders.

November 2022 - Aid to Liberated Kherson

Within days after the liberation of Kherson, Knights were there to bring aid.

November 2022 - A Gift of Mobility

Knights partner with Canadian Wheelchair Foundation to bring wheelchairs into Ukraine and distribute them to amputees and others with disabilities.

December 2022 - A Christmas Blessing

Knights prepare and deliver care packages to help Ukrainian families celebrate Christmas. By the end of 2022, Knights delivered 100,000 packages.

December 2022 - "You Are Not Alone"

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly returns to Poland and Ukraine to offer a message of solidarity and a promise of continued support for victims of the war in Ukraine.

December 2022 - Art Therapy for Victims of War

Knights in Radom, Poland, transformed an unfinished rectory into the Blessed Michael McGivney House to support Ukrainian families, offering classes like art therapy through theatrical exercises.

Theater as Therapy

January 2023 - Generators in Ukraine

Many Ukrainians were left without electricity throughout the winter after the Russian bombings. Knights from Poland and Ukraine stepped in by providing generators to affected communities.

January 2023 - A School Away from Home

In Poland, Knights of Columbus partnered with Caritas to build a school for Ukrainian refugee children, so they can learn in their native language.

February 2023 - A Year of Solidarity

The Invasion of Ukraine one year ago spurred one of the largest relief efforts in Knights of Columbus history. As the war enters its second year, KofC remains committed to the people of Ukraine.

February 2023 - Clearing the Path to a Safe Future

With support from the K of C, volunteers are being trained to detect and remove explosive remnants of war, as nearly 30% of Ukraine is contaminated by mines and other ordnance.

March 2023 - Keep Praying & Supporting Us

One year after Russia invaded Ukraine, Archbishop Mokrzycki of Lviv thanks the Knights for their humanitarian aid and tireless assistance to the victims of the war in Ukraine.

March 2023 - Supporting Widows & Orphans

Ukrainian Knights are organizing prayer meetings, pilgrimages and other gatherings for the relatives of fallen soldiers to bring them spiritual, psychological and material support.

March 2023 - Care for Mind and Soul

The Knights of Columbus partnered with the International Catholic Migration Commission to support spiritual and psychological rehabilitation programs for Ukrainian soldiers and their families.

April 2023 - Care Packages in Ukraine

Knights of Columbus in Ukraine gathered together with other volunteers to prepare and distribute over 10,000 Easter care packages to help victims of the war.

April 2023 - Stepping In to Help Ukraine

With help from the Ukraine Solidarity Fund®, the humanitarian organization STEP-IN provides medical and psychological assistance to thousands of people fleeing the frontlines in Ukraine.

May 2023 - Strength in Solidarity

Ukrainian Knights gathered May 26-28 for their first in-person convention since 2019, hosting the nation’s first Fourth Degree exemplification.

June 2023 - Racing Against the Rockets

With K of C support, conservation experts are working to create detailed 3D laser scans of Ukrainian wooden churches that are threatened by Russian artillery.

Saving Monuments of the Past, Protecting the Future

July 2023 - Medical Assistance

Knights donated endoscopic medical equipment to the Zolochiv Central District Hospital.

Healing the Wounds of War

July 2023 - Extraordinary Music

Each year, the Dominican Liturgical Center in Kraków, Poland, organizes an “Extraordinary Music Workshop”. Ten Ukrainian singers participated in this one-of-a-kind liturgical event with support from the Order.

A Musical Respite from War

August 2023 - Response to the War in Ukraine

Support provided by the Knights to Ukraine was documented in an exhibition presented during the 141st Supreme Convention.

Response to the War

September 2023 - Solidarity from Lourdes

Pilgrims with the Order’s Warriors to Lourdes program have shown their solidarity by preparing thousands of prayer sets, containing rosaries, holy water and more, for Ukrainian troops.

September 2023 - Destroyed Warehouses of Caritas

A drone attack over Lviv, Ukraine, destroyed the Caritas-Spes warehouse storing 600,000 pounds of humanitarian aid for civilians in eastern Ukraine.

November 2023 - Coats for Kids in Ukraine

With the support of councils in Canada and Poland, Ukrainian Knights held their first Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids® event, distributing coats to the children of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

‘A Symbol of Warmth’

December 2023 - Candies for Kids

Knights in Ukraine celebrated St. Nicholas’ feast day Dec. 6 by bringing festive cheer and sweet treats to parishes, orphanages and shelters housing internally displaced families.

Sweet Visits From St. Nicholas

December 2023 - One Common Mission

Knights of Columbus are collaborating with the Albertine Brothers and Sisters in Lviv to provide food, shelter, health care and spiritual nourishment for homeless and internally displaced people in Ukraine.

One Common Mission

December 2023 - Christmas Communion

Knights in Ukraine brought widows and orphans together during the holiday season by holding Christmas Prosphora, special events centered around prayer and communal meals.

February 2024 - The Chain of Solidarity

With the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaching Feb. 24, Archbishop Mieczysław Mokrzycki of Lviv spoke to Columbia about the devastating consequences of the ongoing war.

The Chain of Solidarity

February 2024 - More Than Buildings

With support from the Knights of Columbus, who donated scanning equipment, experts scanned a first batch of 11 most valuable and vulnerable churches in Ukraine.

February 2024 - Supreme Knight Addresses Membership

Supreme Knight Patrick Kelly addressed Knights on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine Feb. 24, reviewing the courageous work of Ukrainian Knights.

March 2024 - Mass Stipends for Ukrainian Priests

A Mass stipend program organized by Ukrainian Knights gets funds to priests in need, at the same time sponsoring thousands of Masses for the living and the dead.

March 2024 - Knights Show Support

Councils in the United States and Canada are stepping up to keep the Order’s pledge of commitment in Ukraine, finding creative ways to support victims of the war both materially and spiritually.

April 2024 - Medical Chapels in Ukraine

Knights worked to open new chapels in four Ukrainian hospitals, providing patients with a place to find spiritual healing through prayer and the sacraments.

Healing Body and Soul

April 2024 - Workshops for Widows and Orphans

Ukrainian women struggling with the death of their husbands in combat are receiving professional counseling through a joint program of the Knights of Columbus and the medical organization STEP-IN.

April 2024 - St. Joseph Icon Program

On Saturday, April 27, Bishop Damian Bryl of Kalisz presided over a solemn Mass at the St. Joseph Sanctuary in Kalisz, Poland, to mark the culmination of the pilgrimage of the Knights of Columbus icon of St. Joseph in Poland and Ukraine.

Support in Difficulties

May 2024 - A Home in Lithuania

Knights of Columbus in Vilnius, Lithuania, turned an empty hotel into a residence for Ukrainian refugees, providing community, education and spiritual and psychological support for women, children and elderly people displaced by the war.

May 2024 - Catechesis for Ukrainian Children

Ukrainian refugee children are learning the distinctive customs and traditions of their Greek Catholic rite through weekly catechism classes at McGivney House in Radom, Poland.

July 2024 - Shelter and Hope

Ten new modular homes opened outside Lviv to welcome families displaced by violence in eastern and northern Ukraine, thanks to a housing initiative sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

July 2024 - Providing Wheelchairs

In collaboration with the Canadian Wheelchair Foundation, Knights in Ukraine provided wheelchairs for more than 300 civilians and veterans, including Mykola V’yuk, a 41-year-old father who lost both his legs to shrapnel injuries.

‘The Wheelchair Is My Legs’

July 2024 - First Aid Training

Knights in Ukraine are receiving first aid training and partnering with the Order of Malta to extend this training to other civilians.

‘We’re Talking About Saving Lives’

October 2024 - COR in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the COR initiative is expanding its presence, helping to strengthen men in faith at a time it is desperately needed.

October 2024 - Children’s Athletics Competition

Children in Ukraine were able to enjoy some friendly competition during the Knights of Columbus Cup, an annual children’s athletics competition hosted by Ukrainian Knights.

October 2024 - Supreme Chaplain Visits Ukraine

Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore traveled to Ukraine in October to meet with victims of the ongoing war, to see the Knights’ work to serve those in need, and to assure Ukrainians of the Order’s continued support.

October 2024 - Helping Bucha

Visiting Ukraine in October, Supreme Chaplain Archbishop William Lori toured Bucha and Irpin, two cities that have become symbolic of both the brutality of Russia’s invasion and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.

November 2024 - A Shoulder to Lean On

In partnership with the International Catholic Migration Commission, Knights in Ukraine are getting material and spiritual aid to hospitals in southern Ukraine.

November 2024 - Anti-Trafficking Program

Polish Knights have partnered with local organizations to provide daycare centers, career workshops and language programs for refugees.

December 2024 - Psychological Training for Priests

Through its partnership with the international organization STEP-IN, K of C is supporting a new specialized training program for priests, to assist them with the unique psychological needs of wartime pastoral care.

December 2024 - Helping Children in Beryslav

Under the direction of Knights of Columbus chaplain Father Oleksandr Bilskyi, the Caritas Beryslav Charitable Foundation in Ukraine operates two centers for children displaced by war.

December 2024 - Dinners for Widows

Knights of Columbus in Ukraine hosted special dinners to welcome over 700 guests, including wives, mothers, and close relatives of fallen soldiers in the war with Russia.

A Family Christmas

February 2025 - Novena for Peace and Healing

Last February, Knights of Columbus around the world united themselves in prayer and solidarity by praying a novena for peace and healing. Knights and others are again invited to pray the novena for the third anniversary of the war.

Novena for Peace and Healing in Ukraine

February 2025 - Archbishop Kulbokas Thanks Knights

Archbishop Kulbokas expressed his deep gratitude for the prayers and extensive charitable work provided by the Knights of Columbus in Ukraine.

February 2025 - Archbishop Shevchuk Thanks Knights

Archbishop Shevchuk addressed the Knights of Columbus, emphasizing his gratitude for the tireless help provided by the Order.

March 2025 - An Ambulance of Hope

Thanks to the generosity of Knights of Columbus councils in Krakow, Poland, and support from the Ukraine Solidarity Fund, the local hospital has received a much-needed ambulance.

April 2025 - Ukrainian Amputee Finds Hope

Thanks to a partnership between the Knights of Columbus and the U.S.-based Protez Foundation a Ukrainian amputee received a custom prosthetic.

April 2025 - Charity Free Kitchen

In 2022 Father Makar, supported by the Ukraine Solidarity Found, started a Charity Free Kitchen in the then-occupied Zelenivka. His support and humanitarian aid continue today.

The Lifeline Kitchen

June 2025 - Scholarships for Seminarians

K of C support Ukraine’s future priests during wartime thanks to the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP), which provides seminarians with financial and spiritual assistance.

Sowing Seeds

July 2025 - A refuge for the elderly

Thanks to a grant from Knights of Columbus to the shelter in Rakulove, internally displaced elderly people can find a corner of peace.

A Corner of Peace

July 2025 - Aid for fallen soldiers’ families

Knights in Ukraine in collaboration with the STEP-IN Foundation have taken special care of the families of fallen and missing soldiers.

Spiritual Weapons

August 2025 - Award from Ivano-Frankivsk

Andrey Sheptytsky Council 15804 in Ivano-Frankivsk received the Family Program Award during the 143rd Supreme Convention for organizing the “Knights of Columbus Cup.”

August 2025 - A Gift from St. Albert

Knights assist Albertine Brothers with providing food and faith on Ukraine’s frontlines.

A Gift From St. Albert

September 2025 - Summer Camps for Youth

With financial support from the Ukraine Solidarity Fund, several councils organized summer camps for children suffering from war trauma.

Summer Camps for Youth

October 2025 - ‘No One Can Steal Childhood’

The Knights of Columbus partners with the Sovereign Order of Malta to bring healing to children scarred by war in Ternopil, Ukraine.

October 2025 - School Packages for Children

Knights of Columbus distribute more than 1,200 care packages to Ukrainian children returning to school.

‘No One Can Steal Childhood’

October 2025 - A Prosthesis for a Survivor

Thanks to the cooperation between the KofC and the Protez Foundation, Tetiana Sahaidak, who lost her leg in a Russian missile strike, received a prosthetic.

November 2025 - A Future Not Forgotten

Ukraine State Council established the McGivney Scholarship Fund to help young people who have lost a parent in the war pursue their education.

December 2025 - The Light of Guadalupe

The Knights in Ukraine have launched a nationwide prayer movement dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, seeking a miracle of peace.

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.