Pro-Ukrainian organizations in Italy have raised over €210,000 in less than a week as part of the “SOS – Warmth for Ukraine” campaign, according to the official website of the World Congress of Ukrainians (WCU).
The initiative was implemented by the Network of Associations for Ukraine (NAU) in cooperation with Liberi Oltre le Illusioni, Lilea APS, EUcraina, and journalist Vladyslav Maistriuk. The campaign responded to a global call from the WCU and the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The initial fundraising goal was €100,000, but thanks to the activity of more than 3,000 donors, it was doubled. NAU President Dmytro Shchukin noted that most of the donors were Italians themselves, disproving myths about Russian propaganda influence in the country.
Funds will be used to provide heating devices for Ukrainian families, powerful generator units for hospitals and schools, fuel, and additional equipment for critical infrastructure.
The collection continues until January 31, with organizers hoping to reach €250,000, which would allow an entire large hospital to be supplied with independent heating and electricity.
“Never give up – volunteer work is often hard and thankless. But this campaign is the largest ever carried out in Italy. You have to act and keep going, and sooner or later the results will come,” emphasized Shchukin.
The WCU noted that the energy assistance campaign for Ukraine has also spread to other countries. In the Czech Republic, the organization Dárek pro Putina raised $3.8 million in a few days. The Ukrainian Congress of Canada (UCC) officially called on the government to urgently provide energy equipment. The Ukrainian Organizations Union of Australia (UOUA) is running the “Warmth for Ukraine” campaign to raise $150,000.
