Prince Charles visits Romexpo

Prince Charles visits Romexpo Bucharest Romania-ArmataSalvarii-25May2022-3

The Prince of Wales recently visited Romexpo, in Bucharest, Romania, where further assistance is being provided to Ukrainian refugees. He met with representatives of The Salvation Army and other nonprofits, and Romexpo continues to be a fundraiser, collecting hygiene items, household items and children’s toys for distribution.

Over 30,000 refugees have been assisted by The Salvation Army since the conflict in Ukraine started in February. Both Prince Charles, and Princess Margareta of Romania, thanked The Salvation Army for their service and for doing “an amazing job”.

Prince Charles visits Romexpo Bucharest Romania-ArmataSalvarii-25May2022-6

Prince Charles visits Romexpo Bucharest Romania-ArmataSalvarii-25May2022-2

 

Nina and Tatiana find relief from the war in Ukraine when assisted by The Salvation Army at the Romanian border

Siret Border Moldova Team_220404_IMG_2334

Nina and Tatiana

 

‘It was frightening,’ Nina summarises, her breath visible in the bitterly cold Romanian air. She and her newfound friend Tatiana are reflecting on the circumstances that led them both to flee their homes in Ukraine. It’s before 8am. They’ve only just met, but are now sharing their experiences with each other in The Salvation Army’s tent at the border crossing in Siret. Listening attentively, Major Olga Iniutochkina, The Salvation Army’s divisional leader for nearby Moldova, bringing valuable assistance to the local team.

Twenty-something Nina describes her life as a florist in the Kyiv suburb of Pozdnyaki. ‘Mainly weddings,’ she says wistfully, as if she can no longer quite imagine such a thing happening. ‘I love the colours, the fragrance, the shape, the composition…’ Her voice, already soft, fades away.

A pause. A welcome sip of fragrant hot fruit chai. Tatiana takes the narrative, outlining her own emerging career in marketing based in the northern Ukraine city of Chernihiv. A pompierii (fire officer) who has been fixing the nearby gas heater silently takes a seat alongside the women to provide further reassurance. The fire and rescue team here are in overall control of the security and safety of the refugee operation here.

With renewed intensity, Nina speaks about the shelling of her neighbourhood. ‘Mercifully, I was out [when it happened], but when I got home, all the windows had blown in. It was awful.’ She corrects herself. ‘It IS awful. But it was not as bad as the neighbouring block. That was hit by a bomb, but sustained much greater damage. There was also a fire throughout the upper floors. I haven’t been able to make contact with some of my neighbours since.’

Another pause as Nina takes out her mobile phone. She becomes more assertive. ‘And not just my home, but my school.’ Shaking her head, she shows an image of a school building – it too with the glass blown clear out of the windows, into dangerous shards.

‘I’ve been careful what I share on social media,’ Nina adds. Tatiana nods in agreement. ‘Friends tell me that some photos were posted on Facebook of military transport vehicles parked underground at a shopping centre I use quite often. Within hours, that car park had been bombed… obliterated… completely destroyed. That’s a mall I went to frequently. It’s not a valid military target – there were no weapons there, just standard vehicles parked up.’Siret Border Moldova Team_220404_IMG_2364 2

The young women take a moment. Major Olga is attuned to the ebb and flow of such dialogue. Conversations that few people expect ever to be having. Confirming the veracity of the morning’s shocking news reports: ‘I saw bodies,’ adds Nina. ‘On the street.’

Major Olga, mindful of the risks facing two attractive young women, offers a leaflet on remaining alert to the potential for human trafficking, with a 24-hour helpline number. There’s a break in conversation as they read through, and then as a volunteer transport coordinator asks the major to assist with some paperwork. This inter-agency cooperation is crucial to effective working here at the border, to ensure efficiency, safety and greater levels of care.

Completing the paperwork provides another angle of conversation. ‘Bellissimo!’ grins Tatiana as she explains that she will be moving to Venice, Italy, to be with her mother for a while. ‘But I am going to miss my husband,’ she adds. ‘He’s in the military.’ She, too, tails off.

Nina, meanwhile, outlines her hopes to pick up temporary work in Dortmund, Germany. Eyeing the freshly-cut tulips on an adjacent table, she muses briefly about what kind of flowers might be available in this city. ‘But really, I don’t mind anything. I just want to work, and to be back in Ukraine when I can.’

Sensitively, Major Olga asks if they would like to be prayed for. There is no hesitation at all. ‘Please,’ they say, almost in unison. And so the women pray together, along with the unsuspecting pompierii still sitting patiently alongside. Their practical needs are also attended to, with offers of hot food and drinks, water, Europe-wide SIM cards and warm clothes. The women graciously decline – it’s not needed on this occasion.

Soon, word comes that transport to the nearest airport – still a two-hour drive away – is ready. ‘There is no rush,’ explains the pompierii. ‘You must remain here until you are completely happy.’

For Major Olga, too, there is no time limit. She will remain with the women until they feel comfortable getting into a vehicle, which will have been fully vetted before getting anywhere near the site. Sensing that there is still reluctance to board an unknown minivan, the major asks what the women think they are going to find most difficult.

‘Forgiveness,’ says Nina, without missing a beat. ‘Forgiveness is so, so hard. But we have to try. Ukrainians are united. The world stands with us.’ Tatiana echoes this sentiment, simply by restating that one word. ‘Forgiveness.’

With that self-motivation, the women gain the courage to leave the now-warm cocoon of The Salvation Army’s tent. With Salvation Army volunteers carrying their luggage to the waiting vehicle, there’s an opportunity for some further conversation with Major Olga on the short walk to transport area. Both women’s eyes fill with tears as they learn that there is no charge. Not for the transport, not for the chai, not for the emotional support, not for the other help that has been provided.

The tears meld with warm embraces all round, and as the van departs for their onward flights, enthusiastic farewell waves that would normally be indicative of a relationship developed over rather more than an hour and a half.

It’s all in a day’s work here at Siret for Major Olga and her compassionate, hardworking team. While it’s unpredictable exactly how many people will cross the border any given day, what can be assured is a caring and professional response, and one which will draw in as many other complementary services as is necessary for each individual’s specific needs and context.

There will be many more Ninas and Tatianas in the days ahead, each with their own unique experiences. There will be many more tears shed. And Major Olga and team will be ready with the tissues, the right words and the hugs.

 

Siret border - Nina and Tatiana_IMG_8283

 

  • Nina and Tatiana shared their story with David Giles, a volunteer with The Salvation Army’s Romania Division emergency response team.

 

Born in the war, newborn and family found new hope in Italy with assistance from The Salvation Army

Siret - MTU02218

 

Kirill turned 21 days old the day he crossed the Ukrainian-Romanian border through Siret customs. He was born on March 2, in the northern region of Kyiv, Vyshorod, in a bunker of a local hospital.

Valeria (29), his mother, says that among the first noises Kirill heard were those of rockets hitting the city. At the same time, four other children were born, and more than a hundred Ukrainian children were born in the hospital’s bunker. They left Kyiv the day before the destruction of the Irpin Bridge and took refuge in their parents’ house. As the bombing continued, Valeria and Iurii (26) decided to leave Ukraine.

Iurii’s sister’s house was bombed and destroyed, and that scared them even more. Iurii crossed the border with a certificate of disability, convinced that he could help his country in other ways and, at the same time, give Kirill a life away from the horrors of war. Iurii’s father still remains in Ukraine, but in four months he will turn 60 and is allowed to leave the country. Currently men 18-60 are forbidden to leave Ukraine, obligated to stay and fight the war.

They crossed the border at Siret after a long and difficult road, were taken over by The Salvation Army Romania’s volunteers and guided to the first minibus to Italy. There, in Pescara, Iuri’s grandmother was waiting for her, who confirmed to us that they arrived safely after another 20 hours spent on the road.

 


(Kirill at 1 month old now safely in Italy)

 

Photos and writing contributed by Marius Tudor.

View more photos on our Flickr.

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps people internationally overcome poverty and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 8 centres around Romania: Bucharest, Ploiesti, Craiova, Iasi, Bacau and Buzau. For more information, visit salvationarmy.org and armatasalvarii.ro.

Norwegian Salvation Army Officer working in Romania

ASRBucharest-Romexpo-25mar22-8975

 

Major IRENE MATHISON is an officer in The Salvation Army’s Norway, Iceland and Færoes Territory. Currently, she is deployed as a member of the movement’s International Emergency Services team to Romexpo, a large conferencing and exhibition centre in the Romanian capital, Bucharest. This arena has become the city’s major refugee hub with 2,000 emergency beds and an array of support services, free food and clothing. The Salvation Army was the first non-governmental organisation to partner with the city authorities, and has taken a major role in assisting the hundreds of refugees that pass through each day. Major Irene spoke to David Giles about her experiences.

 

How did you train to become an International Emergency Services responder?

Some years ago, I went to a course in England called Prepare – at International Headquarters. They prepared us to be a part of International Emergency Services, so that we can go out and help people, and help the territories that need help from International Headquarters.

It covers almost everything that’s important in a big crisis – humanitarian, disaster, and wars like this. It’s about sheltering, nutrition, water, safety, and trafficking – everything it’s necessary to be aware of in different types of crises.

 

Tell us about your experience here in Romania.

Well, this is my first deployment and, like the rest of the world, we just watched the news. And I thought to myself ‘I have to do something’. So when I was called and asked if I wanted to be deployed this time, I was happy to be a part of it. I said ‘yes’, of course, I wanted to be part of it

The experience so far is that it is huge. It’s a huge crisis for people – an entire people on the move and afraid. Inside Ukraine, still. And we as The Salvation Army – we as human beings – have to be there and help. Just to see the children, to be aware of the mothers and their grandparents – and everybody. So I’m really pleased to be deployed this time.

 

What does a typical day look like?

This is a huge arena. We’ve been here for several days. It’s a lot of people coming in. But right now we are giving out [grocery] vouchers to the families … so that we can bridge the gap between what the city of Bucharest is providing and what they need. Our job is to see where those gaps are, and fill them. We are seeing the mothers, playing with the children.

The parents tell us about loneliness – they are afraid. Some feel they are without hope. Many don’t have a plan of what they are going to do. So we are also here to do the counselling part. It’s great just to be here and see the people.

 

You’ve developed a bit of a reputation here as Stuffed Animal Woman – tell us about the toys!

Ah, yes! I’m using stuffed animals – I also have a red nose which I can put on when the children (or the parents) are really sad. It’s always nice to get a smile from a child with a stuffed animal. It’s as much colour as possible with the animals, and if they make a sound – it’s perfect!

 

How important is that human connection in The Salvation Army’s response?

I think that’s of huge, huge importance. We also give out a lot of information about human trafficking. When people see the face of The Salvation Army [and] see that we are safe, we give them information about trafficking and a phone number. If they feel afraid or something, they can call the number and get help immediately. So that’s a huge, huge work that we are doing.

 

And on the international dimension, share with us the countries that are represented here.

On the deployment from International Emergency Services, we are from the Czech Republic, United States and me from Norway. We are working with Ukrainians as volunteers as well as the Romanian officers. It’s the Romanian officers that are our bosses, so we just do what they need us to do. The international Salvation Army together like this – it’s our strength.

 

How can the international Salvation Army, friends and supporters help?

I think already many people are donating. They have to continue to donate money! Not everyone can go, but they can donate – and contribute to places where refugees are coming. They can also pray. We need prayer. The Ukrainian people need prayer. Everyone who is working with the refugees needs prayer. So we need a lot of praying!

 

Can you share one refugee’s story that has really struck you?

Yes. Yesterday, a mother was here with her mother and a little child, so three generations. I just talked to her outside. She told me that she was so lonely. Other than those three people, she didn’t know anyone else. They are living alone in a flat and she felt so lonely. Just by talking to her, she felt so pleased and thankful that we gave her that time – just to listen, and to see the child. That was touching. I’m proud to be a part of this.

Romexpo Bucharest_IMG_7939

 

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About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps people internationally overcome poverty and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 8 centres around Romania: Bucharest, Ploiesti, Craiova, Iasi, Bacau and Buzau. For more information, visit salvationarmy.org and armatasalvarii.ro.

Divisional Situation Report – 29 March 2022

Ongoing Romania Division Activities:

 

  • The team from Georgia Division (Republic of Georgia), Divisional Leaders Majors Rezo Bakhtadze & Sofia Bakhtadze, Captain Temo Galustian and volunteer Elizabeth, wrapped up their work at the Siret border. A new team departs Thursday to continue working at the border led by Captain Nicolae Dumitru.
  • The Salvation Army is still working in conjuction with DSU/ISU and AsproAS in Siret, Romania.
  • The team from IES arrived last week, Major Mike McKee (USA), Captain Petr Janoušek (Czech Republic), and Major Irene Mathison (Norway). They have been helping run a booth handing out vouchers at Romexpo.
  • TSA is coordinating with Bucharest City Hall (DGASMB – General Director of Social Assistance Bucharest) at Romexpo. A booth is setup to aid families with vouchers for meals and necessities. 667 families have been assisted with vouchers.
  • Major Roxana Sandu (Romania Divisional Leader) is coordinating volunteers at Romexpo, where 2000 beds are prepared for overflow emergency shelter and is open daily as a distribution center for donated goods. Volunteers and employees are assisting sorting clothes and other donations.
  • Divisional Leaders attended a meeting with the European Commission on Tuesday in Bucharest to review and discuss how to improve safety measures and awareness and communication methods for Ukrainian refugees to prevent being trafficked.
  • The Salvation Army is only assisting and providing emergency overnight shelters at corps. Any long-term housing arrangements are being transferred and arranged with local government strategies. 
  • Iași Corps has sheltered 92 refugee families (292 individuals). Many only stay one night.
  • Ploiești Corps has provided emergency shelter for 10 families (25 persons), many stay one night, a few have been transferred to subsidized living in Brazi.
  • Ploiesti Corps is coordinating with Brazi City Hall, a suburb of Ploiesti. The City Hall has 31 apartments for refugees.
  • Buzau Corps has 1 family (4 persons) staying with a family from the corps, they are also volunteering for the corps.
  • Bucharest Corps had 5 individuals accommodated at the corps overnight on Sunday.
  • Anti-human trafficking materials continue to be handed out to refugees.
  • Over 5000 flyers of awareness and prevention have been handed out to refugees, and other NGOs working in contact with refugees, warning of potential dangers of trafficking, 3 cases that we are aware of were saved directly from these warnings, it’s not known exactly how many more have also been prevented from the dangers.
  • Food and medicine continue to be the need for donations for camps in Romania and in Ukraine that can be transported via Romania.

 

Service stats to date:

Refugees assisted at the border                      3396

Refugees given overnight shelter at corps      326

Refugees provided transport                           493

Refugee families provided vouchers              667

 

Photos and videos can be found on our social media accounts and Flickr:
flickr.com/armatasalvariiromania

View a map of our work in Romania:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1EjlpCSE0nRbgtfnAGlGStBnW2FXp8sd4

Donations:
Sprijiniți Refugiații Ucraineni – Armata Salvării România (armatasalvarii.ro)

Volunteer:
Voluntar – Armata Salvării România (armatasalvarii.ro)

Contact Information:
[email protected]

Divisional Situation Report – 19 March 2022

Ongoing Romania Division Activities:

 

  • Captain Ionel Sandu (Romania Divisional Commander) and Captain Yanick Termignone travelled to the Siret border and visited several camps and shelters in Suceava and Botoșani counties and meet with DSU/ISU (government emergency services) & AsproAS.
  • Captain Ionel Sandu is still coordinating social assistance volunteers at the refugee camp in Siret, Romania, in conjuction with DSU/ISU and AsproAS.
  • A shipment of two trucks of donations from Austria arrived to shelters in Botosani this week, a collaboration between Volkshifle from Austria to a Romanian Association: Asociația Militarilor Veterani și Veteranilor cu Dizabilitați (Military Veterans and Veterans with Disabilities Association)
  • Corps are building local support strategies with local government and community partners.
  • Officers from the Georgia Division (Rep. of Georgia) will provide reinforcement for the Romania Division for one week, starting on Monday.
  • Major Roxana Sandu and 11 volunteers from The Salvation Army assisted sorting donations at the Romexpo center in Bucharest today.
  • Romexpo is prepared as an overflow shelter for up to 2000 refugees, and a distribution center.
  • The Salvation Army is only assisting and providing emergency overnight shelters. Any long-term housing arrangements are being transferred and arranged with local government strategies.
  • Bucharest Corps is communicating with city government at the North Train Station (Gara de Nord), the needs are volunteers (translators specifically) and with Salvați Copii (Save the Children) for assistance with a children’s play area at the station.
  • Iași Corps has sheltered 66 refugee families (211 individuals). Many only stay one night, then continue to other destinations around the EU.
  • Ploiești Corps has provided emergency shelter for 8 families (23 persons), one family has moved to subsidized living in Brazi, the remaining have continued to other destinations in Europe. A family of two arrive this evening for emergency shelter until a transfer to a long-term housing.
  • Ploiesti Corps is coordinating with Brazi City Hall, a suburb of Ploiesti. The City Hall has opened 31 apartments for refugees.
  • Buzau Corps has 1 family (4 persons) staying with a family from the corps, they are also volunteering for the corps now. 
  • Divisional Headquarters, in Bucharest, and Bucharest Corps have prepared to host refugee families, though most are being transferred to emergency shelters around Bucharest or arranged via a call center with local residents, landlords or hotels. At Bucharest Corps, two refugees have used the shower facilities.
  • Anti-human trafficking materials continue to be handed out to refugees.
  • Over 1000 flyers of awareness and prevention have been handed out to refugees, and other NGOs working in contact with refugees, warning of potential dangers of trafficking, 3 cases that we are aware of were saved directly from these warnings, it’s not known exactly how many more have also been prevented from the dangers.

 

Photos and videos can be found on our social media accounts and Flickr:
flickr.com/armatasalvariiromania

View a map of our work in Romania:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1EjlpCSE0nRbgtfnAGlGStBnW2FXp8sd4

Donations:
Sprijiniți Refugiații Ucraineni – Armata Salvării România (armatasalvarii.ro)

Volunteer:
Voluntar – Armata Salvării România (armatasalvarii.ro)

Contact Information:
[email protected]

Divisional Situation Report – 15 March 2022

 

Ongoing Romania Division Activities:

  • Over the weekend Lt. Andrei Fănică and Lt. Emil Ghenea, with volunteers, were on scene at the Siret border.
  • The Salvation Army Romania is coordinating social assistance volunteers at the refugee camp in Siret, Romania, supervised by Divisional Commander Captain Ionel Sandu.
  • About 50+ refugees per day are being given water, snacks, hygiene kits, supplies, blankets, SIM cards, and/or emotional and spiritual counselling.
  • Major Roxana Sandu had a visit and meeting at Romexpo in Bucharest, to prepare for the overflow shelter for up to 2000 refugees. Plans are being discussed how The Salvation Army could assist.
  • Iasi Corps has sheltered 49 refugee families (169 individuals). Many are only staying one night, and then continuing further away.
  • Ploiesti Corps has hosted 8 families (23 persons). A woman has been assisted with medical assistance, she needed cancer treatments and the corps officers worked with partners to translate the medical documents for the Romanian doctors and has successfully arranged for her treatments to continue.
  • Ploiesti Corps is meeting with Brazi City Hall, a suburb of Ploiesti. The City Hall is preparing to open 31 apartments there for refugees.
  • Buzau Corps has 1 family (4 persons) staying overnight ongoing, they are also volunteering for the corps now.
  • Divisional Headquarters in Bucharest, and Bucharest Corps have prepared to host refugee families.
  • Anti-human trafficking materials being handed out to refugees.
  • Over 1000 flyers of awareness and prevention have been handed out to refugees, and other NGOs working in contact with refugees, warning of potential dangers of trafficking, 3 cases that we are aware of were saved directly from these warnings, it’s not known exactly how many more have also been prevented from the dangers.

 

Photographs and videos can be found on social media and Flickr:
flickr.com/armatasalvariiromania

Map of work in Romania:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1EjlpCSE0nRbgtfnAGlGStBnW2FXp8sd4

Donate:
Sprijiniți Refugiații Ucraineni – Armata Salvării România (armatasalvarii.ro)

Volunteer:
Voluntar – Armata Salvării România (armatasalvarii.ro)

Contact Information:
[email protected]

Divisional Situation Report – 08 March 2022

 

Ongoing Romania Division Activities:

  • Last week, Lt. Andrei Fănică, Lt. Emil Ghenea and Captain Yanick Termignone, were in Siret near the border crossing handing out supplies, assistance and provided counselling.
  • The Salvation Army Romania is coordinating social assistance volunteers at the refugee camp in Siret, Romania, supervised by Divisional Commander Captain Ionel Sandu. Siret is the busiest border crossing of Ukrainian refugees into Romania. There are about 240 refugees daily at the camp entering and exiting while the government to process their documents for entering the EU and/or seeking asylum status. 380 stayed overnight.
  • 4 TSA volunteers worked the camp Saturday and Sunday. Then will rotate out with other social workers and volunteers.
  • Today Captain Alex Tanasie and Lt. Nicolae Dumitru, with a volunteer, will arrive at the Siret border to meet incoming refugees crossing into Romania. They will stay for 2 days and rotate with another team.
  • About 50+ refugees per day are being given water, snacks, hygiene kits, supplies, blankets, SIM cards, and/or emotional and spiritual counselling.
  • Iasi Corps has sheltered 35 refugee families (110 individuals). Many are only staying one night, and then continuing further away.
  • Ploiesti Corps has hosted 6 families (17 persons).
  • Buzau Corps has 1 family (4 persons) staying overnight ongoing, they are also volunteering for the corps now.
  • Anti-human trafficking materials being prepared and communicated to refugees, handouts with Salvation Army contacts as they try to navigate assistance in Europe.
  • Over 250 flyers of awareness and prevention have been handed out to refugees, and other NGOs working in contact with refugees, warning of potential dangers of trafficking, 3 cases that we are aware of were saved directly from these warnings, it’s not known exactly how many more have also been prevented from the dangers.

 

Photos and videos can be found on social media and Flickr:
flickr.com/armatasalvariiromania

Map of work in Romania:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1EjlpCSE0nRbgtfnAGlGStBnW2FXp8sd4

Donations:
Sprijiniți Refugiații Ucraineni – Armata Salvării România (armatasalvarii.ro)

Volunteer:
Voluntar – Armata Salvării România (armatasalvarii.ro)

Contact information:
[email protected]

Media Release – Small Teams Assist at the Ukraine Border

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 
Siret Romania - 03022022 - Ukraine refugees crossing into Romania
 

Small Team Assists Refugees at the Ukraine Border

SIRET, Romania (2 March 2022) – Lt. Andrei Fănică (Bucharest Corps Officer), Lt. Emil Ghenea (Buzău Corps Officer) and Captain Yanick Termignone (Ploiești Corps Officer), formed a team to work at the Siret border again from Tuesday, 1 March, until Thursday, 3 March. Teams are consistently rotating out to be on the ground and providing assistance, supplies and emotional and spiritual counseling as needed. Many refugees at the moment are in transit.

 

Lt. Fănică explains a story of one of the families he encountered, about a woman and her 7 year old daughter fled Kyiv, drove to the border here in Siret and when they crossed we met them. “She told me she recently spent all her money to buy a new flat, that was almost finished, and heard already that it’s destroyed now. Thankfully she has escaped to safety, and has to restart her life now, and not sure what country to choose for now.” She didn’t have a place to stay, so the team arranged overnight lodging at the hotel they are resting at, Casa Mea Din Bucovina, which has opened it’s doors for refugees to sleep, shower and eat. They followed the team back to Ploiești and stayed there for the evening, and will continue on.

 

While at the border, the team handed out flyers about the dangers of human trafficking. In coordination with the Eastern Europe Territory, the messaging is warning the dangers and providing contact information for The Salvation Army in Europe. Already three known cases have been identified where individuals were saved directly from providing the information for prevention.

 

Divisional Commander, Captain Ionel Sandu, and a team of four volunteers left Bucharest on Friday to bring donations to Siret, and provide social assistance at the refugee camp throughout the weekend. The Salvation Army is coordinating with the government the support with social workers. If you’d like to volunteer, please sign up on our website armatasalvarii.ro/voluntar.

 

We thank everyone for all the support from the Romanian and international communities for stepping up to assist refugees. Support and information for the work in Romania can be found at www.armatasalvarii.ro. Photos can be found at flickr.com/armatasalvariiromania.

 

 

Media Contact:
Dave Haas
Romania Public Information Officer
+40 799 057 120 / +1 404 590 1879
[email protected]

Romanian language:
+40 727 116 466 (phone & WhatsApp)
[email protected]

 

 

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps people internationally overcome poverty and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 8 centres around Romania: Bucharest, Ploiesti, Craiova, Iasi, Bacau and Buzau. For more information, visit salvationarmy.org and armatasalvarii.ro.

 

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Media Release – Ukrainian Refugee Aid – 27.02.2022

 

Siret, Romania- 2022-02-27 at 11.53.38

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Salvation Army Romania Assist Incoming Refugees at Ukraine-Romania Border

SIRET, Romania (27 February 2022) – The Salvation Army in Romania is assessing the situation and responding as needed. Three officers, including the Divisional Commander, Captain Ionel Sandu, along with Captain Yanick Termignone and Lt. Emil Ghenea, loaded a van in Bucharest of donated items, early morning on Saturday, 26 February 2022, and drove north to Siret, Romania, one of the border entries from Ukraine to Romania.

The team has assisted over 50 refugees with water, snacks, SIM cards, toys for children, gloves, hats and blankets. After driving 6 hours north, the team couldn’t reach the border directly, so they walked the remainder of the way to reach the border, walking over 3,5 km (2 mi). After over 21 hours of work, 3:45 am, the officers found a place to sleep for a few hours at a refugee shelter facility, a social center by Eagle House.

In Iași, Romania, near the Moldova border, the Corps Officer, Major Lilia Cojucari prepared and arranged lodging for 10 refugee families to stay overnight.

We thank everyone for all the support from the Romanian, and international, communities for stepping up to assist refugees entering into the country. Support and information for the work in Romania can be found at www.armatasalvarii.ro. Photos can be found at flickr.com/armatasalvariiromania.

 

Media Contact:
Dave Haas
Romania Public Information Officer
+40 799 057 120 / +1 404 590 1879
[email protected]

Romanian language:
+40 727 116 466 (phone & WhatsApp)
[email protected]

 

Ukraine Refugee Response

 

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps people internationally overcome poverty and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 8 centres around Romania: Bucharest, Ploiesti, Craiova, Iasi, Bacau and Buzau. For more information, visit salvationarmy.org and armatasalvarii.ro.

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