Send Blankets to People & Pets of Ukraine
As winter approaches, temperatures continue to drop and it turns bitterly cold. Constant bombings have ravaged power plants, electric lines, homes, and apartment buildings, posing a severe threat to Ukrainians who are unable to heat their homes. These blankets can be lifesaving, providing warmth and comfort, especially to those most vulnerable—the young, elderly, and pets.
Amidst the crisis, 6.2 million Ukrainians have sought refuge abroad, while 5.1 million are internally displaced, living in damaged homes without essential amenities. Harsh winter and displacement compound the challenges faced by the affected population.
Crisis in Ukraine:
Pets who belong to families fleeing war-torn Ukraine, are facing dehydration, hypothermia, injury, disease and illness as they travel to escape the frontlines. Many who are fleeing refuse to leave behind their four-legged family members, and they need supplies to make sure their pet stays warm. Unfortunately, many families are forced to leave loved pets behind due to circumstances beyond their control, and these pets end up in shelters or, are found on the streets and then are taken to a shelter.
Russia has not eased its attacks against the people of Ukraine, and President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that currently 30% of the country’s power stations have been knocked out. During summer months, nights can get chilly but these blankets provide warmth and a sense of comfort and security to those who receive them. During the winter months temperatures can drop to as low as -5 degrees Fahrenheit. In some areas of Ukraine there are entire blocks that are completely without power, and many without gas due to the damage from the attacks.
Key Facts:
- 5.1 million people are displaced throughout Ukraine*
- 17.6 million Ukrainians in need of humanitarian aid*
- In 2023 GreaterGood was able to send 36,000 blankets to families in need
- 1,000 blankets were sent to shelters for displaced cats and dogs in 2023
- 5,000 blankets were sent to Ukrainian toddlers and babies in 2023
- Blankets are manufactured in Ukraine – which helps combat unemployment
How to Help:
Help provide warmth and comfort to those in need. Wool blankets are being purchased from Ukraine to support suppliers and staff, and are being sent to Ukrainians who need them most.
These 4.5 ft. x 6.5 ft. wool blankets are perfect for retaining body heat when it is needed most. Each blanket can also double as an emergency coat or single size bedroll. The blankets will also be given to pets in need of extra warmth and protection from the cold. Wool can soak up a good deal of its weight in moisture without feeling damp and because of that, they can be used in outdoor shelters – even when wet the wool blankets will hold their warmth and keep pets warm!
There is also the option to provide a baby blanket to keep the young ones warm and comforted. By giving something as simple as a blanket, you can make an impact. Your gift keeps children, the elderly, pets and families warm as they defend their country, their homes, and their loved ones during the coldest winter months.
Pet blankets are also vital to keep pets warm and provide comfort in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people and sounds. Families with pets appreciate that their fur babies have not been forgotten about. GreaterGood is also working with veterinarians without borders who use blankets to keep sick or injured pets warm and provide comfort… animals that have had surgery- including spaying and neutering will also receive blankets. Every blanket makes a difference in the life of a pet.
Stories From Ukraine
Feb 2024: Warm wool blankets were brought to Inna, the owner of a shelter, where there are more than 100 dogs and cats that were taken from the front-line territories. The dogs and cats quickly curled up on their new blankets donated thanks to your support.
2023: These sweet pets, and the people taking care of them, are so grateful for the supplies that have been sent to them. Some families stop by at donation pick up locations to grab blankets and other supplies for their pets to keep them warm. Some pets are staying in shelters or rescues, and this sweet dog is one of them. He received a blanket to keep him warm this chilly season until he finds a forever home.
July 2023, an office in a key area of Ukraine is used as a clothing hub where new bedding, clothes, toys and blankets are given to those in need. The foundation that uses the office employs more than 10 women migrants who were left homeless to do the war. In one Saturday alone they greeted 200 people that were in need of essentials.
On December 17 and 18 2022, thanks to its generous donors, Greater Good Charities distributed 4,000 blankets donated by GreaterGood.com.
Recipients of the aid were families who were directly affected by the war and remained in the villages during the Russian occupation. One village was occupied from February 24 and got liberated on September 11, 2022. This very rural village is located very close to the Russian border. People who remain here are mostly elderly, before February, the village consisted of an estimated 4,000 people but currently, only an estimated 2,080 people live there.
Martyna Maciejewska, Field Operations Coordinator with Greater Good Charities: “This village (village name removed for safety) is the furthest east we have been. We started driving in a convoy from Kharkiv at 7:00 a.m. and we were escorted by the police for 4 hours to get to this villages. On the way there we could see empty trenches, burnt tanks and cars, destroyed bridges and houses and we drove through many destroyed ammunition boxes laying all over the road. This village is not developed, and people there faced poverty before the war. Many people who worked for farmers lost their jobs. The equipment from the farmers was stolen by Russians and fields are full of mines, so many farmers stopped their production. It is also very dangerous to collect wood, necessary to warm up the houses, therefore people were very grateful for blankets.”
In 2022 blankets were sent to Ukraine (area name removed for safety concerns) where 80% of a village was destroyed, and the people went without power – blankets were a vital gift given.
Other important information:
- You will not receive a shipment from this purchase. We will contact the receiving organizations on your behalf.
- You will be charged all required taxes for your location. Save your receipt and consult your tax professional to determine if you’re able to claim this purchase as a tax-deductible donation expense.
- GreaterGood has ultimate authority and discretion with regard to the distribution of Benefit Buy contributions based upon what the receiving organization needs the most. We will always contribute products of equal or greater value. Contributions may be distributed as cash or may be used to help other charity partners depending on the greatest need.
- GreaterGood is proud to help provide these goods for people and pets in need on your behalf. We couldn’t do it without your support — thank you!
*According to the UN Refugee Agency
**Some village, town and city names have been removed due to safety concerns.
