Sharing winter warmth with more than 500 Ukrainian and Moldovan children

Winter is a difficult time for both Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable families in Moldova. People on low incomes face many challenges, including high bills and a lack of warm clothing. The problem is even worse for families with children.

To help the most vulnerable in these groups, our team at People in Need Moldova launched the #IarnaDaruimCaldura (#InWinterWeShareWarmth) campaign on the eve of the winter holidays. The campaign saw more than 500 Ukrainian and Moldovan children start the New Year with new clothes and shoes.

The #IarnaDaruimCaldura campaign covered eight localities in different regions of Moldova. The 513 children, together with their parents, had the opportunity to choose clothes and shoes in several shopping centres in Chisinau. It was delightful to see that the children could hardly contain their excitement near the changing rooms, eager to try on their new clothes. Meanwhile, their parents were happy, already sure that their children would not freeze this winter.

Thanks to People in Need Moldova's vulnerable families programme, the children were able to complete their wardrobes with all the necessary winter clothes: a jacket, a hat, a scarf, gloves, a jumper, trousers, warm socks and, of course, winter shoes. The financial support of up to 3900 lei (€200) per child covered all the costs directly. As most of the beneficiaries have very modest means, many have told us that our support has been a real 'lifeline' as temperatures drop well below freezing. Moreover, several noted that without this campaign, their children would have no chance of getting new clothes this winter.

The European Union funds the programme as a multi-sectoral humanitarian response to Ukrainian refugees and vulnerable Moldovan households in Moldova through the ECHO PLACE project.