In a demonstration against the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Association of Ukrainians in Portugal announced the creation of a platform to coordinate aid to the besieged population.
Pavlo Sadokha, the association’s president, appealed to many associations and civil society groups to join this platform, reported TSF Radio Noticias (February 28). The aim is to structure the aid.
Ukrainians constitute the fifth largest group of nationalities in Portugal at 4.3 percent, according to the 2020 Observatory for Migration report. In 2012, there were 44,074 Ukrainians, reported the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF). Portugal has a population of 10.3 million, according to the 2021 Census.
On February 24, Russian military forces invaded Ukraine without provocation.
There are collection points for food, medicines, hygiene products and other items all over the country:
In the North
In Vila Nova de Gaia, at the Cristo Rei Seminary, you can donate food, medicine and other necessities.
The Municipality of Viseu, the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, the Association Viriatos 14 and the Association of Ukrainians of Viseu are carrying out a joint humanitarian effort. The aid can be delivered to the Solidarity Store of the Instituto Politecnico de Viseu (IPV) (Central Services building).
In Central Portugal
In the Municipality of Fundao, the aid should be delivered to the Fundao Migration Center (Fundao Seminary).
In Lisbon
The Misericordia Parish Council is collecting essential goods to support the Ukrainian population displaced by the Russian invasion. The goods can be delivered on February 28 and March 2 at the headquarters of the Parish Council between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The Ajuda Parish Council will accept donations beginning March 2 to help victims of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., you can leave non-perishable food items, personal hygiene products and warm clothing at the Pavilhao Multiusos da Ajuda (next to Pingo Doce).
To learn more: https://www.facebook.com/ajuda.juntadefreguesia/posts/319048146922432
The Parish Council of Benfica, in partnership with the Parish of Nossa Senhora do Amparo de Benfica, is organizing a solidarity collection of essential goods to send to Ukraine. The collection takes place on February 28 and March 1 between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m.
To learn more: https://www.facebook.com/jfbenfica/posts/264736535811977
At the Parish Council of Areeiro, you can bring essential goods on February 28 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. To learn more: https://www.facebook.com/jfAreeiro/posts/1935710056605023
A group of Ukrainian doctors from Hospital de Santa Maria, Hospital de CUF, Hospital de Lusiadas Lisboa and Hospital Beatriz Angelo also is requesting donations, which will be delivered through transport provided by Associaçao Solidaria Anjos of Mercy.
Donations should be taken to the shop, Amor Perfeito, Novo Areeiro Galleries, Store #5 Areeiro Metro, Lisbon 1900-003.
“More than 20 years ago, in search of a better life, we searched for a country to emigrate to and we chose Portugal. We chose well; we were not mistaken; we were welcomed; we were well integrated, and we are happy here.
“Thank you, Portugal.
“Sadly, barbarically, one of the darkest days has arrived in Europe. Arrived in Ukraine, our beloved Homeland.
“Today, we ask for new support, new help: our people are on the ground defending their homeland at a great risk of losing their lives. These fighters, young and old, need help. We need help.
“We ask everyone who can contribute to bring non-perishable food goods and immediate consumption (they do not need to be cooked) to feed those who are on the ground, civilians and military, fighting against the Russian invasive for the Patriots.”
Suggestions include food (canned fruit, tuna and sausage) and medicines (paracetamol, antibiotics and transfusion kits).
To learn more: https://www.facebook.com/dra.t.koval/posts/5225579784139217, or call 964968086.
In the South
The Municipality of Aljustrel is promoting a solidarity campaign to help Ukraine. Donations must be delivered to the Loja Social of the Municipality of Aljustrel.
The Association of Ukrainians in the Algarve also is accepting donations of goods to send to Ukraine.