HEARTLAND donates DKK 100 million to Ukraine support
The Danish family company HEARTLAND donates DKK 100 million to humanitarian efforts and initiatives that will make a difference for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people. Initially, this will be done through three specific donations of DKK 10 million to the Red Cross, UNICEF and the UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, respectively, followed by donations to a number of other aid programmes.
The military operations in Ukraine pose an acute threat to the country. Therefore, HEARTLAND will declare and commit to supporting the humanitarian efforts in the country. To be more specific, HEARTLAND donates DKK 100 million, says Anders Holch Povlsen, owner of HEARTLAND:
"It is in every way horrible and unbearable what the people of Ukraine are going through. And while our contribution is merely a humble attempt to help and support where we can, we hope the overall donation will make a difference over time. What is happening in Ukraine these days, including the result of it, is affecting the entire world and we all have a lot to fight for. Our solidarity and our unity have never been more important, and our values oblige us to act and help.”
HEARTLAND will initially donate DKK 10 million to the Red Cross, UNICEF and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), all of which work to help Ukraine. Later, donations to a number of other aid programmes will follow.
UNICEF's efforts in Ukraine right now focus on providing clean water, personal hygiene products, health care initiatives, access to education and psychosocial help, and on securing places where children and their families can seek refuge. In addition, direct financial support is provided to vulnerable families.
UNHCR is massively present in Ukraine as well as surrounding countries, and UNHCR's efforts are focused on protecting and helping the many people who are forced to flee. This is done through emergency aid, such as shelter, blankets and mattresses, financial support for the most vulnerable, legal assistance and social efforts.
The Red Cross's focus is on helping and protecting the civilian population. They do this by distributing clean water, food and personal hygiene products, and by providing protection and first aid to injured and traumatised children and adults.
Furthermore, the Red Cross distributes cash to fleeing families so they can survive and helps secure equipment for hospitals and clinics. The organisation also helps secure water supply by repairing vital infrastructure such as water mains and pumping stations.
“For us, it is important to donate and support initiatives that make a real difference. That is why we want to contribute to the vital, humanitarian effort which is under way right now and which is crucial. At the same time, we want to be persistent and support the Ukrainians throughout the entire process, which is why we will continuously make donations to aid programmes and organisations that can make a difference as things develop,” explains Lise Kaae, Director of HEARTLAND.
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Director of Partnerships and Programmes, Susanne Dahl, about the donation of DKK 10 million to UNICEF:
"We are deeply grateful for the generous donation that can help make a difference for the Ukrainian children in terms of the huge need we experience right now. 7.5 million children have fallen victim to a conflict in which they are not to blame. We greatly appreciate the strong support from the Danish business community, such as HEARTLAND, standing shoulder to shoulder with UNICEF.”
Head of Private Sector Partnerships in UNHCR Denmark, Eva Raabyemagle, about the donation of DKK 10 million DKK to UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency:
"Thanks to this generous donation from HEARTLAND, UNHCR can protect and help desperate people who are forced to flee their homes in Ukraine. They urgently need humanitarian assistance, and this donation will make a huge difference.”
General Secretary of the Danish Red Cross, Anders Ladekarl, about the donation of DKK 10 million to the Red Cross:
"The situation is very fluid, and the needs are changing day by day. We constantly adapt our efforts to the needs in and around the country. In recent days, for example, the main focus has been on helping the elderly, vulnerable and families with children locate bomb shelters. We provide blankets and sleeping bags, personal hygiene products, food and water, and we train people underground in first aid and provide psychosocial assistance to the many children who are scared and anxious. We have provided first aid to wounded people in the streets and have transported people to the hospitals, which we also support with equipment. We also try to offer protection so that the children and adults staying in war-torn areas can get out safely. This is the important relief effort that Heartland supports.”