The Warmth for Ukraine initiative has continued at full pace since our last update on 19 February, when the first aid packages were distributed to residents of Kyiv.

Since then, a second and third shipment of gas cartridges and portable gas stoves have been successfully dispatched and delivered. The most recent distribution to beneficiaries took place yesterday, ensuring that families most affected by the ongoing energy crisis continue to receive urgently needed assistance.

At the same time, preparations are underway for another important delivery. A second shipment of 100 cast-iron heating stoves has been secured and is scheduled to arrive in Kyiv this coming week. The transportation of this shipment is being generously arranged by the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In addition, the initiative has supported vulnerable children by donating a power generator to the Svitlytsia Children’s Centre in Ivano-Frankivsk, which provides developmental activities and educational workshops for young children.

Impact to Date

To date, the Warmth for Ukraine initiative has delivered:

• 3,400 gas stoves

• 107,000 gas cartridges

• 2,500 hot water bottles

• 14,400 chemical heaters

• 200 cast-iron heating stoves

• Several hundred kilograms of warm clothing

Through these efforts, the initiative has provided practical, life-sustaining assistance to more than 12,000 of the most vulnerable residents of Kyiv — including many children and elderly people. These supplies have enabled families to access warm meals and basic thermal comfort during one of the most difficult winters since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The operation has involved five humanitarian transports — three from Warsaw and two from Rzeszów in Poland — as well as a central logistics hub in Ivano-Frankivsk, where supplies were assembled into individual household aid kits and prepared for distribution.

Ongoing Needs

Many of the items distributed are not readily available in Ukraine, and only a limited number of manufacturers in Poland are able to provide them in the required quantities. As a result, stocks of gas stoves and cartridges have now been largely exhausted.

Beneficiaries have received enough gas cartridges to last approximately four to five weeks, and further deliveries are being planned to ensure continued support.

At the same time, teams are assessing additional urgent needs. This may include the possible donation of power generators to two vulnerable institutions:

• the Geriatric Care Home in Hornostaipil, which cares for elderly persons and people with disabilities

• the Kapitoshka Kindergarten in Bucha

 

Dedicated Teams on the Ground

This humanitarian operation has been made possible through the extraordinary dedication of personnel and volunteers working in Poland and Ukraine, often under challenging operational conditions.

The close cooperation between Maltańska Służba Medyczna in Katowice and the Malteser Relief Service in Ivano-Frankivsk has ensured:

• efficient procurement and transportation of supplies

• rapid assembly of aid packages

• effective coordination of volunteer teams

• direct distribution to those most in need

 

A Heartfelt Thank You

Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all our donors who responded so generously to this appeal and made this emergency operation possible.

Your compassion and support are bringing warmth, dignity, and hope to families enduring an extremely difficult winter — and your generosity will remain forever in the memories of the residents of Kyiv.

Gifts $2 and more are tax deductible for Australian taxpayers

 

Other ways to donate:

• Direct Deposit:
  • The Order of Malta
  • BSB 083-453
  • Account number: 448 881 897
  • Description: Ukraine

• Post: Cheques payable to ‘Order of Malta‘ sent to Order of Malta, PO Box 79, Caringbah NSW 1495
• Phone: Call 02 9331 8477 (please note the office is closed weekends and public holidays)