Help for Ukraine: questions and answers (FAQ)
- What is Caritas doing in Belgium?
We orient people from Ukraine and support Belgian citizens and the Church in their solidarity.
An information point has been set up to provide support to all those in our country who want to support the reception effort. To ask your questions, the number: 0800 2 41 41. A WhatsApp info line is also open for all answers in Ukrainian via 0032 476 34 07 58. These lines are available free of charge Monday through Friday, between 13:00 and 17:00.
This information point is an extension of the permanent offices that Caritas provides at the Heysel and Bordet, where Ukrainian citizens register.
Special attention will also be given to third country nationals (students, foreign workers, etc.) who have also had to flee Ukraine.
- I would like to help, what can I do?
You can make a vital donation today through the bank account BE88 0000 0000 4141 with the message “4147 Ukraine” or via our online payment platform.
In total, Caritas International has already released 130,000 euros in support of the humanitarian response deployed in the face of the Ukrainian crisis. An amount of 50,000 euros was released to Caritas Ukraine as well as 50,000 for Poland. Caritas Moldova will receive 30,000 euros. In the coming days, another 530,000 euros will be released for international aid. These additional funds will go to our sister organizations in Ukraine, Poland, Moldova, and Romania. Resources have also been made available for aid and accompaniment in Belgium, via our Ukraine Info Point.
Making a donation is the most effective way to help and respond to the most urgent needs. Caritas works as a network: if you donate to Caritas through Belgium, rest assured that your donation will be directly sent to a local Caritas involved in helping the victims of the war. You will also be entitled to a tax certificate next year. If you give at least 40 euros, in 2022, you will be able to benefit from a 45% tax reduction from the total that you donated.
You can also organize a crowdfunding for Ukraine with your friends, family, colleagues, and or your sports team…and launch your own crowdfunding. You can read here how to easily create a crowdfunding page.
- What exactly does Caritas Ukraine do? And who are their partners?
Caritas Ukraine has worked in the crisis zone to the east of the country since 2014 and had already helped close to 950,000 people affected by the hostilities. Since the start of the war on February 24, 2022, Caritas’s global network is widely mobilized in Ukraine, neighboring countries, and from abroad, providing emergency aid.
In Ukraine, the local Caritas provides concrete aid to all regions in the country thanks to the welcome centers and mobile teams. Around 20 centers have opened their doors to displaced persons and allow these people to eat a hot meal, wash up, spend the night, and benefit from psychological support. Children can also play and draw there. The mobile teams distribute products of basic necessity to the most vulnerable people: food and drinkable water, heating briquettes and repair materials to protect the people from the cold, and hygiene kits… Both in the centers and through the mobile teams Caritas organizes transport for vulnerable people so they can rejoin their loved ones and reach safe areas.
Because it’s a humanitarian organization, Caritas helps everyone without distinction of origin, gender or political, philosophical, or religious beliefs. We are particularly accommodating to the most vulnerable. Our global network is present as close as possible to people, through our 162 locally anchored organizations.
- What is Caritas doing in the countries that border Ukraine, where many refugees are currently arriving?
Caritas Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia, and also Romania are welcoming those who are fleeing the violence of the war in Ukraine. The majority of Ukrainian men are not allowed to leave the country, so it is primarily women and children who are taking the road to exile. In collaboration with the authorities, and with the help of many volunteers, the teams are supporting everyone who arrives by providing safe shelter and first aid.
Because it’s a humanitarian organization, Caritas helps everyone without distinction of origin, gender or political, philosophical, or religious beliefs. We are particularly accommodating to the most vulnerable. Our global network is present as close as possible to people, through our 162 locally anchored organizations.
- Where can I make material donations (blankets, clothes, furniture,...) from Belgium?
Contact the Ukrainian embassy in Brussels, they are in charge of collecting and sending the goods of basic necessity to Ukraine. More information is on their Facebook page. You can also contact them by telephone 02 379 21 11.
- I am going to Ukraine, can I help Caritas there?
We thank you warmly for your good will but strongly urge you not to go there. For security and logistical reasons, emergency aid is organized and coordinated by humanitarian organizations.
Making a donation is the most effective way to help and respond to the most urgent needs. Caritas works as a network: if you donate to Caritas through Belgium, rest assured that your donation will be directly sent to local a local Caritas involved in helping the victims of this war.You can make a vital donation today through the bank account BE88 0000 0000 4141 with the message “4147 Ukraine” or via our online payment platform.
- Can I receive a tax certificate if I make a donation for the Ukrainian population?
Yes, you will be entitled to a tax certificate next year, if you give at least 40 euros in 2022. You can therefore benefit from tax reduction of 45% from your total donation.
You can make a vital donation today through the bank account BE88 0000 0000 4141 with the message “4147 Ukraine” or via our online payment platform.
- I would like to welcome refugees from Ukraine into my home: how do I do this?
First, contact your local commune. If your commune has not (yet) set up a system and you have an accommodation to propose, you can contact the following e-mail address: Helpdeskukraine@caritasint.be
You are already hosting or would like to, but still have questions? Contact our Ukrainian Info Point 0800 2 41 41. A WhatsApp info line is also open for all answers in Ukrainian via 0032 476 34 07 58. These lines are available free of charge Monday through Friday, between 13:00 and 17:00.
- Why is Caritas part of the 12-12 Consortium? And what is its significance?
Caritas has partnered with six other humanitarian organizations. Together they form a Belgian consortium for emergency situations, the 12-12 Consortium. Offering a harmonized communication to the public and establishing effective contacts with the press and the media makes it possible to encourage solidarity within the population, while reducing costs as much as possible. The total of donations collected are divided between the partnered organizations on the basis of prior agreement. Just under 10% of the donations are donated to Caritas international.
- What is the link between the war in Ukraine, AB InBev's Chernigivske and Caritas?
Contacts established even before the Russian invasion between the brewer and the Caritas network in Ukraine resulted in a unique solidarity operation: Chernigivske, one of the most popular beers in Ukraine, now brewed outside the country and distributed on the European market. Consumers will find this beer in cans in supermarkets and catering establishments. All profits from sales will be donated to organizations that ensure humanitarian aid in Ukraine and neighboring countries, including Caritas International. The brewer AB InBev is committed to donating a minimum of 5 million euros to support humanitarian operations. Thanks to them. Thanks to you. Without you, Caritas would not exist. And millions of Ukrainians are counting more than ever on our support.
