Ukraine Relief Efforts in Florence

Volunteers of a local Misericordia preparing shipments of supplies to the Ukraine

The war in Ukraine is causing major difficulties for residents, and their fortitude has made world headlines. Refugees are entering neighboring countries, but many citizens aren’t able to leave their homes. All are in dire need of help.

There most important way to assist the Ukraine people who are affected by the Russian invasion; by donating products that they at the moment need most.  There are many organizations throughout Florence collecting donations of goods and funds. Le Misericordie Fiorentine, Colors for Peace, the honorary Ukraine Consulate and the Florence Committee of the Italian Red Cross are several notable ones.

LE MISERICORDI FIORENTINE

The Le Misericordie Fiorentine, known for providing free ambulance service, is available to collect clothing, blankets, personal care and sanitary items, medication in addition to canned food. The non-profit will personally send the supplies with a convoy to the border of Poland. In collaboration with the Ukrainian Consulate, suitable storage spaces have been made available. The Misericordie will work in close contact with all organizations involved. Misericordie is also planning to offer assistance to Ukrainian refugees in Tuscany.

Storage and drop-off for products located at:

Mercafir (next to the wholesale plant and flower market)

Via dell’ Olmatello, 2/8, Novoli

Those who wish to drop items off can also take the tram from the Florence city center:

Tram T1 stop at Palazzi Rossi. From there on, it’s a 10 minute walk.

COLORS FOR PEACE

The campaign “Colors for Peace” was launched on February 28 and will run until March 3, with the support of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Italia, in favor of VitaUkr, Let’s Do It Ukraine and Let’s Do It Italy.  RFK Italia has received the support of multiple municipalities, and associations such as Missing Rings of Florence, Caritas, Donne del Tappeto del Mondo and many more.

Hundreds of blankets, thousands of items of canned food, clothing and first aid products have already been donated, loaded on the first convoy which left on March 1 for the borders of Ukraine.

A second convoy will depart later this week, and products can still be donated until then. The required products are blankets, socks, packaged or canned food, bandages and first aid kits but also mats for overnight stays in makeshift shelters.

Donations for Colors of Peace can be made at the following locations:

Florence, headquarters of RFK Human Rights Italia

Via Ghibellina 12a from 7 to 8 pm (for information: 055/5389250)

Forte dei Marmi

Green Cross Collection Center Sant’Anna di Stazzema, Pontestazzemese Public Assistance

Lucca

Auser headquarters. Via Pisana 255 in Sant’Anna (for more information on delivery: 3401202457).  (ted de veer)

UKRAINE CONSULATE & THE RED CROSS

The Tuscan American Association released the following information.

The Honorary Consulate of the Ukraine in Florence together with the local Ukrainian community is raising funds for the emergency caused by the invasion.  The aid will be used for the refugees who are arriving in Italy as well as for humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people at home.

A bank transfer made be made to the ASSOCIAZIONE UCRAINA – FIRENZE “LILEA” ONLUS, fiscal code 94254440483, IBAN IT 11 X 01030 02818 000000677579 for “TAA – Emergency in Ukraine.”  For more information call 328 3070803 or send an email to associazione.lilea@gmail.com.

The Florence Committee of the Italian Red Cross is also fundraising on behalf of the Ukrainian Red Cross.  You can donate by means of a bank transfer to the Florence Committee of the Italian Red Cross, fiscal code  94233670481,  IBAN IT 38 K 03069 09606 100000079238 for “TAA – Emergency in Ukraine.”

Visit the website  https://dona.cri.it/emergenzaucraina/~mia-donazione?_cv=1 for more information.

All of the donations for the above initiatives are tax deductible, but more importantly will demonstrate solidarity with the Ukrainian people whose sovereign nation is under an attack that not only violates international law, but which also threatens democratic institutions and world peace.