Food Archives - GlobalMedic

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Response 2024

Armenia and Azerbaijan have a long history of conflict and border dispute in the state of Nagorno-Karabakh, otherwise known as the Artsakh region. Conflict between the two countries intensified in September of 2023 when Azerbaijani forces infiltrated the region. This resulted in over 120,000 ethnic Armenians abandoning their homes and fleeing into Armenia, fearing persecution.

Donate

120,000+ DISPLACED

This massive influx of people into Armenia quickly overwhelmed the country’s social service systems. The number of people in need of housing and employment simply outweighs the quantity of available housing and jobs. This is causing many to live with families or host families, or in crowded apartments where they struggle to pay rent. Although the government has made attempts to aid those who were forcibly displaced, many are still in need of assistance. Lack of housing and employment opportunities are some of the biggest issues facing displaced people.

With a lack of income, general poverty and a lack of access to basics like food and hygiene items are consequently widespread. In response to this crisis, GlobalMedic has been sending our Rapid Response Teams to Armenia to distribute much needed aid in the form of locally procured food hampers. These food hampers have contained a variety of different food items such as pasta, coffee, rice, jam, oatmeal, oil, canned beef and other pantry food items. GlobalMedic has distributed more than 8,000 food hampers to displaced families throughout this response.

Donate

World Refugee Day: GlobalMedic’s Impact on the Ground

World Refugee Day, observed on June 20, highlights the resilience and struggles of millions of refugees worldwide. This day encourages a deeper understanding of their journeys, often fraught with peril as they flee from conflict and disaster to seek safety and stability for themselves and their families. It also highlights the indispensable role organizations like GlobalMedic play in providing vital aid to these displaced populations.

Refugees face numerous challenges, from the immediate danger of conflict to the uncertainties of life in temporary camps that often lack adequate resources. The journey to a new home is complex and bureaucratic, potentially dragging on for years.

GlobalMedic has been actively involved in providing crucial support to refugees affected by the conflict in Ukraine. Immediately following the escalation of conflict in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians began fleeing the country, ending up in neighbouring countries like Romania and Moldova. GlobalMedic began responding to the needs of refugees in both countries, but as the refugee populations have shifted over the last two years the response now focuses on Moldova where more than 120,000 Ukrainian refugees are still residing. GlobalMedic has been producing food hampers locally in Moldova which are distributed weekly to Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host families. This program has delivered more than 200,000 food hampers to families in need.

Moreover, GlobalMedic’s commitment extends beyond immediate relief in the wake of the initial conflict. The programs set up in Moldova have been running for more than two years, recognizing the long-term reality of refugees who have been displaced for such an extended time. Our response has included both robust logistics from Canada to distribute Family Emergency Kits and local procurement, significantly bolstering our capacity to provide sustained assistance.

Volunteers are the backbone of GlobalMedic’s operations. In the past year alone, volunteers contributed over 50,000 hours of their time, packing and delivering aid. The dedication of these volunteers, who come from all walks of life, fuels GlobalMedic’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to crises. Additionally, in a unique approach to fostering community and self-reliance among displaced populations, GlobalMedic has involved refugees in Moldova in their programs. These individuals support other refugees by assisting in the distribution of aid, utilizing their firsthand understanding of the needs and challenges faced by displaced communities.

This involvement not only provides practical assistance but also empowers refugees by giving them an active role in their own recovery and in supporting others experiencing similar hardships. This model of involving refugees in aid efforts exemplifies a full-circle approach to humanitarian aid, where beneficiaries become benefactors, enhancing the effectiveness and the human connection in the aid provided.

Rahul Singh reflects on the spirit and dedication of those involved, “I am proud of our team of professional humanitarians who keep the operations running smoothly despite these turbulent times. The world needs more of the solutions that our teams deliver.”

As we mark World Refugee Day, it’s crucial to acknowledge and support the efforts of organizations that are supporting refugees around the world. Their work does more than just meet immediate needs—it also lays the groundwork for long-term recovery and stability. This day is a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and the importance of sustained, community-driven support to help them rebuild their lives.

Strengthening Communities Through Volunteerism: GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu

In Canada, where food insecurity impacts over 18% of the population, or roughly 6.9 million individuals, innovative and community-driven solutions are essential. GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu stands out as a key initiative in this fight, providing vital access to nutritious meals and addressing a critical societal need.

Volunteer Efforts Driving McAntony’s Menu

At the core of McAntony’s Menu is a reliance on volunteer efforts to address Canada’s food insecurity challenges. This program focuses on procuring, packaging, and distributing essential food items like rice, lentils, and beans. These items are selected for their nutritional value and alignment with Canadian families’ diverse dietary needs. Volunteers play a crucial role at every stage of this process.

In a thoughtful approach that respects the dignity of recipients, volunteers work collaboratively to package food items in a manner akin to retail products. They also play a key role in distributing these packages, ensuring they reach families and individuals most in need.

The program is designed not only to provide immediate food relief but also to foster community and shared responsibility. Volunteers contribute their time and skills to help McAntony’s Menu create a sustainable and impactful response to food insecurity, becoming part of a larger movement that champions compassion and proactive community engagement.

Denise, an active GlobalMedic volunteer, reflects on her experience: “Volunteering with GlobalMedic has been incredibly rewarding. It’s more than just giving time; it’s about making a tangible difference and connecting with like-minded individuals.” This sentiment aligns with research showing that volunteering offers a sense of purpose and can significantly enhance life satisfaction and self-esteem, particularly when engaging in meaningful activities.

An person volunteering to pack green peas for our McAntony's Menu program

Community Support: A Pillar of Success

The effectiveness of McAntony’s Menu is also bolstered by strong community support. Contributions from local businesses, schools, and individual supporters are vital, ensuring the initiative’s continued success in combating food insecurity.

Volunteering has been linked to notable health benefits for participants, including improved physical and mental health. Volunteers often report better health outcomes and lower rates of depression and anxiety than non-volunteers, especially beneficial for older adults. This enhancement in well-being is largely attributed to the stress reduction and positive emotions associated with helping others.

Moreover, volunteering expands social interaction and aids in building networks based on shared values, further strengthening the community support system.

The ripple effect of volunteering extends well beyond the immediate task at hand, inspiring others to contribute and highlighting the power of collective action in addressing significant societal issues. Ultimately, it centres on meeting the needs of those affected by food insecurity.

Sustainability at the Heart of McAntony’s Menu

McAntony’s Menu offers a sustainable approach to food insecurity by providing nutritious and culturally diverse food options, addressing the essential need for appropriate food access.

There are various ways to support McAntony’s Menu. Donations are crucial as they enable the purchase of food supplies and support the operational aspects of the program. Individuals and organizations can contribute financially or donate food items. Each contribution, regardless of size, makes a significant impact.

To donate, visit GlobalMedic.ca/donate or contact our office directly. Those interested in volunteering can find information on opportunities and registration at GlobalMedic.ca/volunteer.

GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu demonstrates the profound impact of community involvement in addressing food insecurity. It represents a commitment that transcends immediate aid, focusing on building resilience and empowering communities. The program exemplifies how unified efforts can create lasting, positive changes for individuals and communities facing food insecurity.

GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu: Addressing the Growing Challenge of Food Insecurity in Canada

Food insecurity in Canada is an increasingly critical issue, affecting a broad swath of the population. As of recent reports, over 18% of Canadians, amounting to 6.9 million individuals, struggle with food insecurity. This alarming statistic highlights a hidden crisis in a nation known for its prosperity and abundance. The challenge is not just the scarcity of food but also the lack of access to nutritious, affordable, and culturally appropriate food options.

The pandemic exacerbated this issue, leading to a significant rise in first-time users of food assistance programs. This uptrend indicates that food insecurity is not limited to traditionally vulnerable populations but with rapidly rising prices, it is a concern that can affect anyone.

McAntony’s Menu: A Compassionate Initiative

GlobalMedic, recognizing the gravity of this situation, introduced McAntony’s Menu in 2020. This program, a key component of GlobalMedic’s Grassroots Revolution, demonstrates a commitment to addressing food insecurity through practical and sustainable solutions. By leveraging the power of community volunteers, McAntony’s Menu efficiently packages and distributes essential pantry items such as rice, lentils, and beans. These staples are not only nutritious but also culturally versatile, catering to the diverse dietary needs of Canadian families.

What makes McAntony’s Menu unique is its approach to delivering food aid. The program focuses on preserving the dignity of recipients by packaging food in a manner akin to retail products. This thoughtful design choice ensures that those who receive aid do not feel stigmatized, maintaining their sense of normalcy and self-respect.

The impact of food insecurity goes beyond hunger. It’s linked to various health problems, including increased risks of chronic diseases and mental health issues. Food insecure households face healthcare costs up to 121% higher compared to those who are food secure. Moreover, families often face tough choices, such as skipping meals to pay for rent or transportation. These decisions have long-term implications on their health and well-being.

GlobalMedic’s response to this crisis through McAntony’s Menu has been impactful. Since its launch, the program has delivered almost 4 million pounds of food, directly aiding countless families and individuals facing food insecurity. The program’s adaptability ensures it can respond effectively to the changing needs of the communities it serves.

The Impact of Volunteers

Volunteerism is the driving force of McAntony’s Menu, providing an invaluable source of strength and support. These selfless individuals do far more than pack food; they embody the spirit of community and collective action. Each volunteer brings unique skills and enthusiasm, turning a simple act of packing food into a powerful statement of care. Their dedication and tireless efforts are crucial in extending the reach of McAntony’s Menu, allowing the program to touch more lives and communities. These compassionate volunteers demonstrate the profound impact that united, community-driven efforts can have in confronting and overcoming the significant challenge of food insecurity. Their commitment not only fuels the program’s success but also inspires hope and a sense of togetherness, reinforcing the idea that we are stronger when we work together for the common good.

Joining Forces for Change

As we confront the realities of food insecurity in Canada, it’s crucial to recognize that solutions must be multi-faceted and inclusive. While immediate food aid is essential, long-term strategies focusing on improving access to affordable, nutritious food are equally important. Advocacy to address the root causes of food insecurity, such as poverty and inequality, is also vital.

Global Medic invites you to be a part of this meaningful journey. Whether you are a volunteer, donor, or advocate, your contribution makes a significant difference. Together, we can work towards a future where food security is a reality for all Canadians. Your support enables us to continue our mission, expand our reach, and create lasting change in the lives of those we serve.

With McAntony’s Menu, we are not just feeding the hungry; we are nurturing a community of care and resilience.

Middle East Conflict Response 2023

DONATE

On October 7, 2023, an assault on southern Israel was initiated by Hamas militants. Over the course of four days, this attack resulted in the loss of over 1,200 lives and the taking of approximately 240 hostages. In reaction to this attack, Israel formally declared a state of war. Numerous air and ground strikes on cities within the blockaded Gaza Strip have resulted in the loss of life, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the displacement of an estimated 1.7 million people. About 80% of Gaza’s population has been displaced with a significant percentage being displaced multiple times. Strikes in Gaza are ongoing and vital infrastructure which supports hospitals, power grids, and water supplies have been impacted. Border crossings are also affected, limiting the entry of desperately needed humanitarian aid, and preventing civilians from fleeing the conflict.

This has resulted in a humanitarian catastrophe.

42,000+ KILLED

1.9M DISPLACED

100,000+ WOUNDED

GlobalMedic has extensive experience working in the region and is responding. We are working feverishly to provide the Right Aid to the Right People at the Right Time to all civilians affected by this conflict.

We are providing humanitarian aid in the form of Family Emergency Kits, ready-to-eat food provisions, food hampers and medical supplies, and are supporting the provision of clean drinking water by tanker trucks to civilians affected by the conflict. We have four pillars of programming:

Our primary focus is to provide Family Emergency Kits to civilians. Each kit contains a point of use water purification unit, hygiene supplies and a solar light. The water unit does not need electricity and uses gravity to ensure families have access to clean drinking water for up to a year.

Second, we will provide trauma dressings, wound care supplies, burn care dressings, essential medicines, and other consumable medical supplies to civilian first responders and hospitals to provide care for wounded civilians.

Third, we are focusing on providing food aid. In the initial stages the focus is on ready-to-eat food and will then switch to food hampers when the affected population has a sustained capacity to cook for themselves.

Fourth, we are supporting the distribution of clean drinking water by tanker truck.

Our goal is to provide lifesaving and life sustaining humanitarian assistance to families in need.

Morocco Earthquake Response 2023

DONATE

Around 11pm local time on September 8, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck the High Atlas mountain range, 72 km southwest of Marrakech, Morocco, a city home to 840,000 people. The quake was followed by a 4.9 magnitude aftershock. This was the biggest earthquake felt in the region. Extensive damage was reported with buildings collapsed and critical infrastructure severely damaged; the death toll was over 2,900.

Approximately 450,000 individuals were believed to have been internally displaced. Relief operations successfully restored crucial pathways, notably in the Ighil region of Al Haouz province. However, concerns persisted regarding road access, particularly in remote locales. This was exacerbated by worsening road conditions and potential weather-related obstacles. By the end of September, primary routes in Al Haouz had been reinstated, but obstacles like traffic congestion and flight limitations persisted, impeding relief endeavours.

2,900+ KILLED

6.8 M EARTHQUAKE

2,500 INJURED

GlobalMedic immediately deployed our Rapid Response Team (RRT) with 4 AquaResponse3 Water Purification Systems to Morocco. Following an earthquake of this magnitude, access to basic supplies becomes nearly impossible. This includes clean drinking water, with damage from the earthquake disrupting existing infrastructure such as water reservoirs. The AR3s are point-of-source water filtration devices that can provide clean drinking water to support over 2,000 people every day. These units were installed at central locations like feeding centres and health clinics to ensure that the water being consumed at these sites was safe to drink.

GlobalMedic’s Rapid Response Team also worked with local partners to run a hot meal program. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, we took over a local cafe and produced meals daily to provide to people who were affected. Every day we were able to feed hundreds of people, ensuring they stay fed and healthy. We distributed over 27,600 meals through this program.

We then began distributing pantry food hampers and fresh vegetables. All of these food items were locally sourced and traditionally found in Moroccan cuisine. The ingredients could be prepared at the families discretion and helped stock the pantries of those affected by the earthquake. We distributed 7,262 food hampers and 8 tonnes of fresh vegetables to those affected by the earthquake.

After a crisis, families face many challenges. One of the tools GlobalMedic uses to support families are our Family Emergency Kits. These kits have been designed as a holistic solution to solve multiple needs faced by families in crisis. One of the biggest risks that vulnerable communities face in the wake of disasters is waterborne illness. This is caused by the disruption of safe drinking water sources, forcing individuals to retrieve their water through untreated and potentially contaminated sources. Waterborne illnesses like cholera and typhoid can be detrimental to a family’s health and are often deadly. We also worked to distribut 2,700 Family Emergency Kits to families in need.

GlobalMedic also shipped an Alaska tent, which is a military grade mobile structure which can be built in hours and functions in a permanent capacity. It can be used as a mobile medical clinic, a storage facility, or a temporary accommodation. The facility was turned into a classroom in Ouchfilene, a mountain village south of Marrakech. This was put together with help from our Partners El Baraka Angels. This served teachers and students whose schools were damaged or destroyed by the earthquake. We also worked to distribute smaller tents to be used for shelter, distributing 2,000 in total.

DONATE

Asylum Seekers in Toronto

Maha Farooq & Hawi Wonswossen – Emergency Programs Interns

Escalation of Unhoused Asylum Seekers

Asylum seekers in Toronto have been facing a shelter crisis since early June; public attention grew as the number of asylum seekers camping outside the streets of downtown Toronto increased weekly. By July, a few dozen asylum seekers were spotted sleeping outside the City’s shelter intake centre on Peter Street. The asylum seekers stayed outside the intake centre in the hope that they would soon secure some form of housing. The reality was that the City’s shelter systems were at full capacity, and on top of that, no funding was available to accommodate the influx of refugees and asylum seekers seeking housing assistance. According to the City of Toronto, the total number of asylum seekers in the shelter system has multiplied by more than 500 percent over the past 20 months. Numbers have skyrocketed from 530 people a night in September of 2021 to almost 3,000 in May of 2023. Asylum seekers remained neglected as the federal and municipal governments began a long back-and-forth as to who should be responsible for the individuals.

The total number of asylum seekers sleeping on the street continued to grow in July, and local organizations began to take matters into their own hands. Ainsworth Morgan, co-founder of the 100 Strong Foundation, a non-profit that aims to empower Black boys to become leaders, played an important role in finding shelter for some of the refugees. He contacted Pastor Judith James at Revivaltime Tabernacle Church in North York, who immediately offered up her space to help. Dominion Church International Toronto followed suit, and together the two were able to take in close to 350 people. With an understanding of the possible gaps that would be present, GlobalMedic reached out to the churches to gain an understanding of how we could help. Equipped with this information, we activated our programs to support.

Interning During this Response – Maha

As a summer Emergency Programs Intern at GlobalMedic, I have had the opportunity to work on various emergency response projects. When GlobalMedic heard of the Toronto Asylum seeker situation and the work of the two North York churches, the team was quick to connect with the churches and strategize a response plan. Working in coordination with the churches that were accommodating over 300 individuals at the time, GlobalMedic mobilized a team to the scene, including myself. The first step was to identify the gap in needs in this situation, and what programs we could activate to support what was already being done. With the support of our funders and local partners, the RRT helped distribute aid in the form of linens, disco cots (beds), hygiene items, food, and vitamins. I went with the team to the warehouse to pack up the beds and to a hotel where the Gupta Family Foundation had generously donated clean and fresh linens and pillows for the beds.

Going to the churches and distributing the aid was a key learning moment for me as I was able to experience firsthand the importance of coordination and time management when providing relevant and meaningful aid. Seeing diverse members of the community come together at these churches and offer their help was such a powerful moment for my colleagues and I, and reminded us of the positive impact all of us can help bring forth. Witnessing firsthand the living conditions of asylum seekers in the impromptu church shelters, we knew that the facility had well past its limit. The WASH facilities, including toilets and showers, at the churches are not enough for everyone, resulting in long wait times and concerns over sanitation and hygiene standards. Additionally, the facilities did not have the means to provide laundry services, which adds to the issue of hygiene. In response to this, GlobalMedic worked to provide laundry access, by first establishing a safe connection point and ventilation, followed by a washer and dryer unit at Revivaltime Tabernacle. With access to clean clothes, the affected asylum seekers can reestablish good hygiene practices. Most importantly, placing a focus on their health and hygiene needs helps bring them a step closer to adequate living standards and maintains a person’s confidence and dignity.

Interning During this Response – Hawie

As an intern at GlobalMedic, I was able to experience our coordination efforts first hand. While the asylum seekers had a roof over their heads, there was still an overwhelming amount of need. A Rapid Response Team consisting of myself, an Emergency Programs Officer and trained volunteers was sent out to deliver the right aid to the right people at the right time. We visited Revivaltime Tabernacle Church, which was housing roughly 270 asylum seekers. We brought them essential hygiene products, like soap, shampoo and conditioner, vitamins, and a variety of non-perishable food items. The food we delivered was from GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu program, an emergency food program designed to meet the food security needs in Toronto. We also delivered sleeping cots, and worked together to teach the asylum seekers how to correctly assemble them. Following our visit, we organized the delivery of a washing machine and dryer, along with different laundry supplies. This made it possible for asylum seekers to do their laundry without having to worry about travel or service costs.

Delivering Hygiene Items to Revivaltime Tabernacle Church

As a daughter of refugees, I immediately empathized with the asylum seekers. I understood the challenges they may have experienced while trying to build a better life for themselves and their families. Being able to contribute to such a meaningful response was very impactful for me. I was also able to understand the importance of coordination in a domestic crisis, and observe the immediate impact of aid programming.

Ongoing Support

As Toronto continues to struggle with the refugee crisis, it’s clear that additional funding and coordination is needed. The situation requires serious attention, and as it evolves, GlobalMedic continues to offer its support. Working with local communities and organizations will only strengthen our efforts in creating comprehensive solutions and delivering aid to individuals that need it the most. Together, we can make a difference and support those who seek refuge in Canada.

Storm Fiona Response 2022

On September 24, 2022, post-tropical storm Fiona made landfall in Canada, tearing through the Atlantic coast. Storm Fiona brought with it strong winds and storm surges, causing incredible damage to homes and businesses, knocking down trees and power lines, and in some cases forcing evacuations. Communities like Port aux Basques and Cape Breton were particularly hard hit and across the Atlantic region more than 400,000 homes were without power the day after the storm made landfall.

400,000+ WITHOUT POWER

160 KM/H WINDS

5 PROVINCES AFFECTED

Storm Fiona: 4 men standing beside stacks of white buckets with GlobalMedic and Procter & Gamble stickers on them — Packing Clean Up Kits

GlobalMedic responded immediately by mobilizing volunteers to pack Clean Up Kits. Our Clean Up Kits contain household cleaning supplies, garbage bags, gloves, and masks to help families with the arduous process of cleaning up a home flooded by storm surge. These kits are packaged in buckets to further assist with moving stagnant water out of the home. Getting these items into the hands of vulnerable families quickly is key for them to get back in their homes as soon as possible. We sent initial shipments to Port aux Basque and Cape Breton by air, following up with additional kits sent by truck to Nova Scotia. We were able to support 714 households with Clean Up Kits.

Storm Fiona: blue and white McAntony's Menu red lentil bags piled on a table — McAntony’s Menu Red Lentils

Storm Fiona: Two volunteers using pallet jacks to move skids of cardboard boxes. The boxes contain McAntony's Menu food items. — McAntony’s Menu Red Lentils

Additionally, we are working to support local food banks as they have seen a rush of clients accessing their services due to the storm. With an already high demand for food bank services, many organizations find their stockpiles low. We sent nearly 30,000 pounds of food from our McAntony’s Menu program to help fill this gap in Nova Scotia. GlobalMedic volunteers dedicated their time to taking bulk 50lbs bags of food and re-packing it into smaller 500g bags. By purchasing in bulk and utilizing volunteers to re-pack, we are able to produce a bag of food for a family for a third to a quarter of the retail price.

Pakistan Flooding 2022

Since June 2022, Pakistan has been bombarded by severe monsoon weather. As of August 27, rainfall in the country is equivalent to 2.9 times the national average. The extreme weather has caused widespread flooding and landslides, leading to the destruction of property and infrastructure. There has also been an enormous impact on human lives: Since June 14, an estimated 1,033 people have been killed and 1,527 people injured, with those numbers expected to increase with the continued rain.

Right now, approximately 33 million people in Pakistan have been impacted by the disaster. Some of the most urgent needs among those affected are those in the area of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). An estimated 3.8 million people are in need of WASH support due to contaminated water and limited access to hygiene items.

The contamination of water supply and destruction of water filtration systems in Pakistan has already exacerbated ongoing disease outbreaks. The World Health Organization has already noted the increased spread of illnesses like acute watery diarrhoea, dengue fever, malaria, polio, and COVID-19. The humanitarian situation in Pakistan will likely worsen even more with the continuation of heavy rain over areas already hit by flooding.

3.9 MILLION PEOPLE IN NEED OF WASH SUPPORT

33 MILLION PEOPLE AFFECTED

FLOODS COVERING MORE THAN 1/3 OF THE COUNTRY

Water purification system set up at a communal kitchen

GlobalMedic’s Rapid Response Team is on the ground in Pakistan working to respond to these growing concerns. In response to the growing outbreaks of diarrheals and other communicable diseases, our team is distributing oral rehydration salts and other medicines to prevent minor cases from developing into life threatening illnesses. 312,000 sachets of oral rehydration salts have been distributed to health clinics and directly to families impacted by the flooding.

We are also working to provide access to clean drinking water both with large point of use systems being used at communal kitchens and clinics and through the provision of Family Emergency Kits. Seven large scale systems have been purchased locally and the RRT carried two AquaResponse3 systems into Pakistan with them. The Family Emergency Kits provide an at home water purification solution as well as essential hygiene supplies. These units will allow families to have access to clean drinking water for up to a year which will be crucial in maintaining their health through the recovery phase of this disaster. To date we have distributed 3,600 FEKs in multiple flood affected regions.

Finally, we are providing food hampers to families displaced by the flooding. These hampers provide a mixture of culturally appropriate staple goods and are procured and packed in Pakistan, supporting the local economy. To date, 10,000 food hampers have been distributed. The needs in Pakistan are immense and our teams continue to evaluate the situation on the ground so we can be mobile and adaptive in our response.

Volunteers preparing Family Emergency Kits

Ukraine Conflict Response 2022-2025

DONATE

An estimated 8.1 million people have fled Ukraine since the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022 making it the fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II. Neighbouring countries have seen waves of refugees crossing their borders, seeking safety and support. In addition, at the peak more than 8 million people were internally displaced. Although some people have returned home, there are still approximately 3.6 million IDPs in Ukraine. Many families have fled their homes with very little and the humanitarian crisis continues to grow as the conflict wears on. 12.7 million people will require humanitarian assistance in 2025.

GlobalMedic has worked closely with local Ukrainian partners over the years, and with our network of partners and Rapid Response Team members we are supporting Ukrainians who have been impacted due to the increased violence. Please consider a donation to our current response.

Moldova

Since the beginning of the crisis, more than 535,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into Moldova. Our Rapid Response Team is on the ground in Moldova and is working with our local partners to support the intake of refugees into Moldova. We began by working to distribute food and hygiene items to refugees in Moldova, setting up on the Ukrainian border to provide immediate assistance to entering refugees and procuring additional items required by temporary shelters as they emerged. Our ready to eat meal program distributed more than 12,980 meals to refugees in transit at local train stations, as well as to refugees staying in shelters.

We have set up an emergency food kit program in Moldova whereby kits are assembled which contain locally procured, culturally appropriate staple foods including rice, beans, potatoes and cabbage. These kits are then distributed to Ukrainian refugees and Moldovan host families, with some being transported back across the border to Odesa. We have distributed more than 259,000 of these kits in Moldova and sent an additional 650 kits across the border into Ukraine. We have also distributed 8,820 Family Emergency Kits in the rural areas surrounding Chisinau, providing access to clean drinking water and essential hygiene items to families who have relocated there.

Hot meals being served to Ukrainian refugees crossing the Moldovan border

A woman getting supplies at soup kitchen in Moldova

A child eating food at a soup kitchen in Moldova

Romania

More than 830,000 Ukrainian refugees have crossed into Romania since conflict broke out in Ukraine. Our Rapid Response Team is on the ground in Romania running our operations. With our local partners, we are providing Ukrainian refugees with food, hygiene items and shelter. We are supporting the renovation of a dormitory to host additional refugees and are actively working to make sure that newly arrived refugees have access to support to meet their basic needs through the purchase of items like mattresses, bedding and cleaning supplies. We initially also supported aid convoys running cross-border operations into Ukraine. Daily humanitarian convoys were running in small vans to deliver food aid, hygiene items and medical supplies which have been distributed in several Ukrainian cities including Chernivtsi, Kyiv and Kharkiv.

We have also set up an emergency food kit packing program in Romania. Locally procured food items are being assembled into kits by our RRT members and local volunteers. These kits are being distributed in Romania as well as across the border in Ukraine. To date, more than 56,600 food kits have been distributed through this program.

GlobalMedic volunteers in Canada have also been assembling emergency food kits which we are sending to support our Romanian operations. So far an additional 1,600 kits have been transported from Canada to our program in Suceava where they were then distributed across the border in Ukraine.

Aid being put together for cross-border delivery

Ukraine

We are working with our long time local partners in Ukraine to provide assistance to people who have been displaced due to the conflict. During the initial wave of migration, GlobalMedic and our partners took over a hotel restaurant in Lviv to supply free hot meals to displaced people seeking safety from the violence. Our team also set up at a train station in Lviv to provide those in transit with hearty food. Through that program we supported 3,825 people with food support. We are now running this program in Odessa and Lutsk to support IDPs and local residents who remain there. Meals are prepared every day on a rotating menu to provide variety but also nutritious options. This program has distributed 117,857 meals to date.

We have opened a number of food hamper packing sites inside Ukraine. The hampers at these sites are prepared using all locally sourced products and local staff and volunteers are supporting their production. The hampers are then distributed to food insecure families across the country. We have delivered over 208,900 hampers through this program. We are also supplying hygiene kits through similar channels, distributing 20,000 kits to date.

We are facilitating cross-border shipments into Ukraine. In partnership with Airlink, Air Canada and Ukrainian Medical Support, we sent a shipment of trauma supplies and essential medicines to support hospitals and displaced persons. This shipment was flown to Poland and then trucked to Lviv. We also supported a shipment of hygiene items from Poland to UNICEF operations in Lviv.

We flew a second shipment containing Emergency Food Kits assembled by GlobalMedic volunteers in Canada. These kits were also flown to Poland and then trucked to Lutsk. The kits contain pantry staple items as well as things like solar lights, water purification tablets, Procter & Gamble Purifier of water sachets, and some first aid kits. The first aid kits were designed by a GlobalMedic volunteer who has trained paramedic students around the world. Students from Humber College’s Paramedic Program created instructions on how to use the First Aid Kit on common, trauma-related injuries. Working with Humber’s instructors and students, GlobalMedic filmed instructional videos where Humber’s paramedic students demonstrated how to use the contents of the First Aid Kits and some of GlobalMedic’s Ukrainian-speaking volunteers translated and spoke in the videos so the instructions are clear for those in Ukraine. We have continued sending air cargo on a weekly basis to various locations in Europe for further transport into Ukraine and have distributed more than 44,180 Emergency Food Kits and 42,748 Family Emergency Kits to affected families in Ukraine.

Medical supplies being loaded onto and Air Canada flight

Refugee Voices – Irina

Refugee Voices – Evhenia

DONATE

Tag: Food

Nagorno-Karabakh Conflict Response 2024

World Refugee Day: GlobalMedic’s Impact on the Ground

Strengthening Communities Through Volunteerism: GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu

Volunteer Efforts Driving McAntony’s Menu

Community Support: A Pillar of Success

Sustainability at the Heart of McAntony’s Menu

GlobalMedic’s McAntony’s Menu: Addressing the Growing Challenge of Food Insecurity in Canada

McAntony’s Menu: A Compassionate Initiative

The Impact of Volunteers

Joining Forces for Change

Middle East Conflict Response 2023

Morocco Earthquake Response 2023

Asylum Seekers in Toronto

Maha Farooq & Hawi Wonswossen – Emergency Programs Interns

Escalation of Unhoused Asylum Seekers

Interning During this Response – Maha

Interning During this Response – Hawie

Ongoing Support

Storm Fiona Response 2022

Pakistan Flooding 2022

Ukraine Conflict Response 2022-2025

Moldova

Romania

Ukraine

Our Response in Ukraine is supported in part by