Even though the headlines have largely forgotten the people of Ukraine, the fighting continues along the eastern and southern frontlines. Artillery, drones, and missile strikes occur daily. 

Since the war broke out over four years ago, an estimated 7 million have fled the country. Another 18 million men, women, and children—nearly half of Ukraine’s population—now depend on humanitarian aid to survive.

Families are still fearing for their lives, children are still going hungry, and the elderly are still alone, struggling to survive.

In uncertain times, families turn to the friars for nourishment and hope

Will you remember our Ukrainian brothers and sisters and renew your support of Franciscan Missions?

• $30 provides one refugee family with a full food parcel
• $50 fuels delivery vans bringing meals to seniors who live alone 
• $100 supports trauma recovery training for war victims
• $500 funds an entire soup kitchen or refugee center for a week

As this war continues, the urgent need for support only grows. 

But with new conflicts emerging around the world, humanitarian resources are being stretched even further and there is increasing pressure to do more with less.

Food costs continue to rise. 

Fuel is expensive and difficult to secure. 

Local support has disappeared as families struggle to survive.

Whatever you are able to give makes a deep and lasting impression on the hearts of those in need. A warm meal, a bag of groceries, or a parcel delivery turns into a moment of hope in a time of fear.

(Left) A simple act of care, made possible by your generosity. (Right) Even now, many are forced to flee.

Because of your generosity, Franciscan missionary friars remain on the ground serving, feeding, and caring for those who have nowhere else to turn.

In the village of Vylok the need for food has become almost overwhelming.

A soup kitchen there serves more than 200 people, including elderly men and women, people with disabilities, and families displaced by the war. For these men and women, a simple hot meal is more than nourishment. It is a sign that they have not been abandoned.

In Sharhorod, the situation is just as urgent, and on an even larger scale.

Friars continue to provide care for hundreds of refugee families. Many are mothers and children who have fled violence in the east and south. Most have lost their homes completely and are trying to rebuild their lives with almost nothing.

For many Ukrainians, the Franciscans are their only consistent source of help.

Because of your generosity, our friars can:

• distribute hundreds of food parcels
• provide essential items like cooking oil, flour, medicine, and hygiene supplies
• care for children in after-school programs
• support rehabilitation centers for children with disabilities
• assist elderly men and women who live alone
• welcome refugees into friaries as places of shelter and peace

The food and supplies you provide are not luxuries. They are the difference between hunger and survival. They are the difference between despair and hope. 

Thank you for remembering the people of Ukraine in this time of desperate need.

May God bless you, and be assured that you and your loved ones are in our prayers. 

With gratitude, 

Brother Andrew Brophy, OFM
Executive Director
Franciscan Missions