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How to help the people of Ukraine from New Zealand

If you'd like to assist, here's a verified list of organisations accepting donations and other ways you can provide support.

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By

Holly Jennings

Updated

Fact checked

As the Russian military invasion of Ukraine unfolds, so does the need for humanitarian support for the Ukrainian people and their loved ones. There are several ways you can help, even from afar. Here’s a list of organisations in need of donations, plus other non-financial ways you can support Ukraine right now.

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine is a rapidly evolving situation. We will update this page as new information becomes available.

Verified organisations accepting donations for Ukraine

There are several organisations accepting monetary donations to aid Ukraine right now. Unfortunately, times like this also bring about scams — so verify all sources before sending a contribution. Below is a list of vetted non-profit organisations looking for help.

To compile this list, we only included charities registered with New Zealand’s Charities Services, ACFID or that met the US’ Better Business Bureau’s 20 standards for charities. We also kept in mind which organisations are most accessible to people, whether the sites are secure and if they have an established national or global reputation.
  1. New Zealand Red Cross is working with the International Committee of the Red Cross to assist people caught in the armed conflict: https://www.icrc.org/
  2. Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a Christian charity organisation working alongside Caritas Ukraine to provide humanitarian assistance to people impacted by the crisis: https://caritas.org.nz/donate-online
  3. GlobalGiving is a locally led relief hub supporting a wide range of efforts in Ukraine: https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/ukraine-crisis-relief-fund/
  4. UNICEF Aotearoa NZ supports affiliated mobile aid workers on the ground in Ukraine delivering water, health and hygiene supplies to impacted areas with a focus on children and families: https://www.unicef.org.nz/appeal/conflict-in-ukraine
  5. Mission Without Borders is a Christian organisation focused on assisting families in Eastern Europe: https://mwb.org.nz/donate/ukraine
  6. People in Need provides humanitarian aid such as food packages, emergency shelter, safe access to drinking water, hygiene items and heat: https://www.peopleinneed.net/donate/
  7. Save the Children is dedicated to supporting children in hard-to-reach war-torn areas of Ukraine: https://support.savethechildren.org/
  8. Ukraine Humanitarian Fund is a United Nations run fund that contributes directly and immediately to a wide range of partner organisations at the front lines so funding reaches the people most in need: https://crisisrelief.un.org/t/ukraine
  9. International Relief Committee provides life-saving support to refugees forced to flee their homes: https://www.rescue.org/article/ukraine-russia-crisis-what-happening

Donations made in cryptocurrencies

Of the charities we’ve vetted, only one openly supports cryptocurrency donations: Come Back Alive — a Ukrainian NGO originally launched to help soldiers in the war in Donbas. Come Back Alive accepts donations in Bitcoin.

Bitcoin address: bc1qkd5az2ml7dk5j5h672yhxmhmxe9tuf97j39fm6

Verify the address after copying it on both Come Back Alive’s website and blockchain.com before sending:

Cryptocurrency transactions are irreversible, so any Bitcoin sent to this address — or an incorrect address — can’t be recovered.
Given the nature of cryptocurrency, scammers more commonly ask for contributions in Bitcoin or alt coins. Do your due diligence and verify all sources before sending cryptocurrency to anyone claiming to accept funds on behalf of a Ukrainian organisation.

How can I help if I can’t contribute financially?

If you’re unable to donate money at this time, there are still steps you can take to help the situation in Ukraine.

  • Donate your time and help organise fundraisers through local nonprofit organisations.
  • Join a peace protest if it’s safe and accessible for you to do so.
  • Encourage your employer to offer mental health services and other support to staff — especially those of Ukrainian descent or with loved ones in the area.
  • Don’t spread misinformation online. Verify all news sources before sharing on social media.

Remember that Russia’s military actions don’t necessarily reflect all of its people’s beliefs. Avoid using harmful rhetoric that stereotypes Russians as a group.

Stay informed with trustworthy news sources

Misinformation can be rampant in situations like this. Be sure to access reliable news sources for information regarding the events in Ukraine. Keep in mind these news sources have been under attack from hackers since the invasion began and may go offline — or become unreliable at any point.

  • The Kyiv Independent. As Ukraine’s biggest English-language media outlet, the Kyiv Independent is on the ground and at the front lines to cover the ongoing events of the invasion.
  • The New Voice of Ukraine. Available in English, Ukrainian and Russian, the New Voice of Ukraine covers breaking news and releases informative analyses on the situation.
  • Ukraine World. Ukraine World is a team of independent journalists on the front lines gathering first-hand footage, primarily published on its dedicated social media accounts.
  • Kyiv Post. A mainstream media outlet affiliated with the state, this source is at the forefront of delivering breaking news directly from government and national offices, releasing statements from ministry officials, military leads and other dignitaries.

Follow verified accounts on social media

If you prefer to access your news from social media, here’s a list of reliable accounts reporting out of Ukraine. Like news sources, many of these social media accounts are also under attack from hackers. Remain vigilant while accessing any information online.

  • Stand With Ukraine shares knowledge wrap-ups based on the ongoing situation and ways followers can support Ukrainian citizens. Instagram: @withukraine.
  • Svidomi offers updates on the ongoing conflict from the English version of a Ukrainian social media-based outlet as it shares brief but frequent posts from the front lines. Instagram: @svidomi_eng. Twitter: @Svidomi_en.
  • Ukrainians in Solidarity provides information on how followers can support Ukrainian citizens. Instagram: @ukrainiansinsolidarity.

What action is the New Zealand government taking?

New Zealand’s government has condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.

In response to Russia’s invasion, New Zealand’s government announced it was implementing travel bans against Russian officials from entering the country and prohibited the export of goods to Russian military or security forces. It has also suspended all bilateral engagements.

Prime Minister Jacinda Adern said she had called for advice on how New Zealand can best aid on humanitarian response options for Ukraine.

New Zealand’s response follows sanctions unleashed by Australia and the US primarily targeting Russian oligarchs and banks. Further restrictions focus on blocking technology, including semiconductors, telecommunication, encryption security, lasers, sensors, navigation, avionics and maritime technologies.

The White House also announced it would cut off 13 major state-owned companies from raising money within the United States, including Sberbank — Russia’s largest financial institution.

The response from New Zealand, the US and its allies is expected to evolve over the next several days and weeks as events in Ukraine unfold.

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