Scotland’s Catholics have rallied to show support for the Ukrainian people following the Russian invasion.
SCIAF, the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, has launched an emergency appeal for Ukraine, urging people in Scotland to donate to the humanitarian response.
SCIAF said the appeal ‘will help people in need of emergency food, water, safe accommodation, hygiene kits, transport and child support services during this humanitarian catastrophe.’
“Within the span of a week, the invasion of Ukraine by Russia has seen hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing to neighbouring countries. Over 100,000 people are thought to be internally displaced because of Russian attacks.”
SCIAF is a member of Caritas Internationalis, the international Catholic humanitarian network, which is leading a global response to the conflict.
Alistair Dutton, Chief Executive of SCIAF, said: “Within one week, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has driven hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.
“Now they are fleeing for their lives, desperately afraid and clueless as to what the future holds. As we watch the unfolding events in horror, we know that people want to help.”
Archbishop Leo Cushley has announced he will ‘join Fr Vasyl Kren and the Ukrainian Catholics of Edinburgh to pray for peace’.
His visit will take place at the Church of Our Lady of Pochayiv & St Andrew on Ash Wednesday at 6pm.
Perth’s Polish Scouts have also launched an emergency appeal in support of Ukraine.
Perth Scout Leaders Paulina Rybicka said they were looking for ‘pillows, blankets, sleeping bags, tents, clothes, medical supplies, plasters, painkillers, tourniquets, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, bottled water, canned food and formula milk.’
“We are really grateful for the support we have had from the city, both Scots and Polish,” she said.
“Our next load will focus on food and medicines. The collection points include the Polish Shops – Touch of Poland and Polish Sklep and ESOLPerth.”