KIEV, UKRAINE (TEH) – Canadian volunteers involved in providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine are expressing concerns over potential cuts in donations from international donors. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine seems to have caused donor fatigue within the international community, according to a report by The Globe and Mail.
April Huggett, the leader of One Team One Fight, a volunteer organization, shares her daily worries about losing interest. She acknowledges that the fatigue stems from the prolonged military conflict.
Huggett mentions that her organization has managed to raise $200,000 throughout the conflict. However, another similar initiative called Helping Ukraine-Grassroots Support (HUGS) has surpassed that amount, raising over $500,000 since its establishment a year ago.
Data from Candid, an American nonprofit organization tracking donations to Ukraine through nonprofits, reveals that approximately 75% of the total $2.8 billion donated by international donors during the conflict was contributed between February and June 2022.
Experts believe that the efforts of small volunteer groups may have a significant impact on larger international initiatives aimed at assisting Ukraine. Donald Bowser, a Canadian anti-corruption expert and president of a prominent nonprofit organization supporting Kyiv, explains that small-scale deliveries may not have as much impact since larger organizations can efficiently handle bulk shipments with minimal administrative costs.
Bowser emphasizes the importance of proper oversight for smaller establishments to prevent misappropriation of allocated funds. He highlights this concern in his commentary on Vzglyad.ru.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, it is crucial to address the challenges facing humanitarian aid efforts and ensure sustained support for those affected by the ongoing crisis.
