Singapore Red Cross to send additional S$2.4m to support Ukraine and refugee crisis

SINGAPORE — The Singapore Red Cross will contribute S$2.4 million of assistance to the Ukrainian refugee crisis as the number of people seeking shelter in neighbouring countries climb to about two million.

The aid, which follows the first tranche of US$100,000 (about S$135,700) that reached Ukraine on March 4, will be used to help Ukrainians who remain in their country and those who have made their way to neighbouring Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Slovakia, Moldova and Romania.

Singapore Red Cross said in a media statement on Thursday (March 10): “The Red Cross’ focus will be on providing aid to vulnerable people, including unaccompanied minors, single women with children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.” 

Besides immediate relief aid, the money will be used to provide basic needs, emergency shelter, protection, health, water, sanitation, hygiene and psychosocial support for the people affected.

Russia began its attack on Ukraine on Feb 24. Since then, the United Nations Children's Fund said that more than a million children have fled Ukraine to neighbouring countries. 

Out of the S$2.4 million committed, Singapore Red Cross said that around 70 per cent will be directed to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The remaining S$700,000 will be distributed to the Red Cross National Societies of six neighbouring countries, which have been helping Ukrainian refugees who are seeking shelter in the respective countries or which have been sending supplies to those still in Ukraine.

Singapore Red Cross also said that donations to its ongoing fundraising appeal since Feb 25 have reached close to S$3 million so far, comprising donations from both the public and corporate entities. The appeal will run until May 31.

Mr Benjamin William, Singapore Red Cross'  secretary general and chief executive, officer, thanked the donor community for the solidarity and support.

“We call for continued support to this critical humanitarian operation, for the fastest-growing refugee crisis in our lifetime," he said in the media statement.

Singapore Red Cross also announced that it has activated its “Restoring Family Links” service to help Singapore residents locate immediate family members who may have been affected by the conflict with whom they have difficulty in contacting. Members of the public may contact the organisation if they need such assistance.

Potential donors may visit its campaign page on giving.sg or the Singapore Red Cross website for details on how to contribute to the appeal.