Local Humanitarian Initiative: Delivery of Aid from Taiwan to Ukraine

The goal of the project is to identify and meet the urgent humanitarian needs of people in the communities that have suffered/are suffering the most damage/destruction due to hostilities and/or those that receive the most significant number of internally displaced people (IDPs). 

Objectives: 

1) Organize the delivery of humanitarian aid from Poland to the warehouse in Lviv; 

2) Identify and process humanitarian requests from communities in need, consultation and coordination centers for IDPs in the Lviv region and throughout Ukraine;

3) Form humanitarian aid cargoes by request;

4) Organize optimal targeted delivery of the humanitarian aid to the identified recipients.

The project's direct beneficiaries are the populations of the communities that have suffered/are suffering the most damage/destruction as a result of hostilities and/or who shelter the IDPs. The project's indirect beneficiaries are representatives of local governments, other CSOs, international partners, and service institutions.

The 外交部, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC（Taiwan）, organized and delivered humanitarian aid to Poland and financed further distribution to and within Ukraine. Initially, the aid consisted of 356 pallets (120 cm x 100 cm x 150 cm): 146 pallets of blankets, 9 pallets of hats, 14 pallets of scarfs, 6 pallets of gloves, and 181 pallets of cookies.

Results:

As a result of the project implementation, during the winter of 2023, we provided support to over 85 local communities across more than 14 regions of Ukraine, many of which had faced occupation or shelling, and others selflessly hosting IDPs. This vital assistance became a reality through the collective efforts of numerous Ukrainian NGOs, local administrations, and hundreds of volunteers.

ForestCom's humanitarian activities were consistently reported to OCHA and the regional military administration, promoting transparency and effective collaboration. 

Media Coverage and Impact:

• Taiwan Stands with Ukraine: A video tribute to the extraordinary collaboration among hundreds of people supporting Ukraine in the face of military aggression. It summarizes the large-scale project delivering 100 tons of humanitarian aid from Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commencing in early 2023.

• Press Conference - Taiwan Stands with Ukraine: Help in Time of War: A video capturing the press conference, "Taiwan Stands with Ukraine: Assistance to Ukraine in Wartime," underscoring Taiwan's commitment to supporting Ukraine during these challenging times.

• Humanitarian Aid from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan in Chasovyi Yar: A heartwarming video showcasing the delivery of humanitarian aid from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan to some of Ukraine's most remote and war-affected cities, including Chasovyi Yar.

• Humanitarian Aid from Taiwan: This video captures the journey of Taiwan's humanitarian aid, showcasing its impact on nearly 30 Ukrainian communities at the time of filming.

The following outcomes further exemplify our commitment and impact:

• Stories of Impact: The Okopnyi family from Lysychansk, one among many families we assisted, greatly benefited from our support, highlighting the reach of our efforts.

• Volunteer Contributions: ForestCom's volunteer work saved $19,440.91, enabling us to extend additional aid to IDPs.

• Ongoing Support: Throughout October 2023, we distributed aid, including stationery, clothing, and food, to IDPs in Stryy. The community expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support from our Taiwanese friends.

• Stable Heating: Five tons of fuel pellets were sourced and delivered to the "Karpathian Meadows" IDP shelter, ensuring consistent heating and hot water supply throughout the year.

• Sustained Heating: Forty-five cubic meters (30 tons) of firewood were purchased and delivered to Facility 580 in Brody, providing a continuous source of warmth for the internally displaced persons.

• Enhanced Living Conditions: Humanitarian aid, comprising a water filter, washing machine, and refrigerator, was donated to an IDP shelter in Verkhovynа National Nature Park, significantly improving daily life for those in need.

• Essential Equipment: A solid-fuel boiler was purchased and delivered to an IDP shelter at "Dzherelny" sanatorium, guaranteeing uninterrupted heating and a marked improvement in living conditions during colder months.

The evolution of temporary accommodation centers from short-term stays to long-term shelters for IDPs, often spanning several years, underscores the critical need for sustained support. Despite the ongoing challenge of providing basic necessities in these centers, we are proud to report that the combined support and essential equipment have noticeably improved the living conditions of those in need.

All activities were planned and executed within the allocated timelines and budgets, ensuring efficient resource utilization. Our commitment to securing necessary resources and improving conditions for our beneficiaries remains unwavering, as our work continues to evolve.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan for their invaluable support, which has been instrumental in our mission to enhance the quality of life for those directly affected by the ongoing war. We eagerly look forward to continued collaboration and the opportunity to make a positive impact together.

Humanitarian aid was available for project implementation by 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC（Taiwan), the Polskie Centrum Pomocy Międzynarodowej (PCPM) / PCPM-Polish Center for International Aid, and Hanna Hopko, chair of the National Interests Advocacy Network “ANTS”, who traveled to Taiwan for advocacy purposes and made this aid possible.