PWRDF and Fight for Right bring warmth to Ukrainians with disabilities
September 19, 2024
By Jacqueline Tingle
Amidst the devastation of the war in Ukraine, Mikhailo is fighting for a decent life in Kherson, a city damaged by Russian troops for the third consecutive year. Despite his challenges of living with a disability, he remains determined to survive and thrive.
Mikhailo’s journey has been marked by hardship and resilience. After two complicated surgeries following a hip fracture, his condition failed to improve, and he now relies on a walker to move around. His attempts to qualify for more assistance were thwarted by the occupation forces, leaving him without adequate support.
Winter brings additional challenges for Mikhailo, as he has to plan every detail of his day to survive. With limited job opportunities in the war-torn city, it’s nearly impossible for an elderly person with a disability to earn extra income. His pension barely covers his needs, making meeting basic needs an everyday struggle.
In 2022, PWRDF began partnering with Fight for Right to address the critical needs of people with disabilities in Ukraine, who were disproportionately affected by the conflict. Through PWRDF’s $64,000 grant, Fight for Right’s efforts to provide evacuation assistance, medical and psychological support, accommodations, and financial aid to those in need were supported. Specifically, PWRDF’s funding helped establish a 24-hour hotline, which enabled Fight for Right to respond to requests for safe evacuation, medical supplies, and assistive technologies such as wheelchairs and hearing devices. As a result, Fight for Right was able to evacuate or assist over 645 people with disabilities.
In 2023, PWRDF supported Fight for Right’s TEPLO project to provide essential items to people so they could survive the cold winter. Mikhailo received a heater, thermos, and solar-powered lantern to help him navigate power outages.
The project offers essential supplies like warm clothing, power banks, and heating units to internally displaced people with disabilities, helping them survive the harsh winter conditions. With the support of partners and donors, the TEPLO project has made a significant impact in the lives of 750 families of PWDs, providing them with the necessary resources to face the challenges of war and displacement.
How you can help
Please continue to keep the people of Ukraine in your prayers. To make a donation to this response, go to our donor page or go to pwrdf.org/give-today and click on Ukraine Relief. You may also donate by phone at 416-822-9083 or leave a voicemail toll-free at 1-866-308-7973 and we will return your call, or mail your cheque to PWRDF, 80 Hayden, 3rd floor, Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 3G2.
For media requests, please email Communications and Marketing Coordinator Janice Biehn at [email protected].