Together-Razem Centre, which has been operating for years in aid of the migrants from Poland and Eastern Europe, as a reply to Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, issued a statement condemning the attack and calling on Russia to withdraw its troops from Ukraine. At the same time, the Centre expressed its solidarity with Ukraine and the entire Ukrainian community living in Cork and across Ireland.

Voyteck Bialek, the representative of Together-Razem, said: “We were present at the first protest on Friday 25th Feb, during which the Ukrainians gathered to express their sadness and anger, and to protest against Putin and his unjustified attack. I saw tears and sadness in the eyes of those people and fear for their relatives who stayed in Ukraine. “

“We cannot remain silent,” said Agata Bartczak-Bialek, The School Manager of Razem Academy. “Especially that the mass escape of the refugees from Ukraine to Poland and other countries has already begun”.

“As a Polish person, together with the representatives of Together-Razem, we all feel that we must act immediately. We have been receiving a lot of enquiries from our Irish friends who would want to help the Ukrainians, and also from  people from Poland, Lithuania or Georgia “- said Agnieszka Woźniak – Office Manager at Together-Razem.

213,000 Ukrainians fleeing the war are already in Poland

According to the UN Refugee Agency (the UN Refugee Agency, a global organisation dedicated to saving lives and protecting the rights of refugees), only three days after the start of the war, over 213,000 Ukrainians fled the country, crossing the border with Poland.

Poland expects to accept millions of refugees; therefore, comprehensive support is indispensable for those fleeing the war. The Polish Government has prepared reception points for arrivals and is offering meals and medical assistance as well as temporary accommodation. Polish non-government organisations are working at the border. State agencies are also providing support.

Plea for support to purchase medical supplies for the Ukrainian people

Together-Razem is a charity registered in Ireland [No 20075125 & CHY Revenue 19216].

Since 2006 we have been providing various support services to the Polish and Eastern European migrant communities in Ireland.

Together-Razem has many links with the government and non-government organizations in Poland and offers its support to the Ukrainian community in Ireland. We are currently raising funds to support Ukraine and the Ukrainian people affected by the Russian invasion.

In such disturbing times, after consulting with the representatives of the Ukrainian Community in Ireland, we are urgently raising funds for a very particular purpose – for the purchase of medical supplies, such as: basic first aid kits, dressings, bandages, tourniquets, blood stoppers, and painkillers.

Furthermore, we wish to support Ukrainian families here in Ireland and raise funds for the provision of counselling in Ukrainian language to those suffering from stress of war trauma. 

1.Here is another link to DonorBox here (there is a service fee here)

https://donorbox.org/plea-for-support-to-purchase-medical-supplies-for-the-ukrainian-people

2. Here is another link to PayPalGivingFund: https://www.paypal.com/ie/fundraiser/charity/4086735 (100 % funds go to our charity)

3.You may also donate directly to the Together-Razem account with the reference “UKRAINE”

Account details: AIB Bank, South Mall, Cork

IBAN IE10AIBK93638346461002
BIC AIBKIE2DXXX

Please note: Together-Razem does not collect clothing or food products.

Our current offer aimed at Ukrainians here in Ireland includes:

1. Providing reliable, up-to-date information on the regulations for refugees after crossing the border – it is important for those Ukrainian families living in Ireland who can pass this information on to their relatives fleeing Ukraine.

2. Connecting refugees with the non-governmental organizations in Poland that offer shelter and immediate help – many people who cross the Polish border don’t speak Polish or English and are confused, we can help them contact their loved ones who live here in Ireland.

3. Enabling the Ukrainian community in Cork to have a safe gathering spot at the Together-Razem headquarters – tea, conversation, information in a safe space together with a Ukrainian-speaking volunteer.
4. Basic translation services – once a week the Ukrainian speaking volunteer is available to assist with documentation. 

How you can help Ukraine

1. Symbolically

Show your support by adding a flag to your profile picture on social media, write a supportive post or come and join the protest together with the Ukrainians.

2. Empathetically

Take care of the emotional wellbeing of your Ukrainian friends at work and around you.

Let them know that they have your full support.

3. Financially

You can support fundraising initiatives for Ukraine.

However, be careful to choose legitimate and verified organisations.

We, at Together-Razem Centre, are collecting funds for a very particular purpose: for the purchase of medical supplies, such as: dressings, bandages, tourniquets, painkillers (including no-spa and activated charcoal).

https://donorbox.org/plea-for-support-to-purchase-medical-supplies-for-the-ukrainian-people

4. Information

Do not believe the propaganda of “trolls” hired to post false information in social media. Pay attention to fake news and report them. Share only reliable information and always check its source.

5. Here in Ireland

– Share verified news, share this post on your social media.

– Do not criticise, do not belittle, and do not diminish the value of any form of help.

– Maybe you are able and want to go to the Polish-Ukrainian border and help as a volunteer for the civilian population from Ukraine?

Contact the Polish Humanitarian Action: www.pah.org.pl 

More information can be found on the organisation’s website: www.together-razem.org

on Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/together.razem/

or Twitter: https://twitter.com/TogetherRazem

All updates related to the collection and other activities related to Ukraine will be published on an ongoing basis.

If you have any questions, please email contact@together-razem.org