The Together-Razem #SmartPhones4UA initiative is among a number of projects the charity is running for Ukrainian refugees arriving in Ireland since the start of the Russian invasion in February.
Together-Razem, a Cork-based national charity that supports people from Eastern Europe living in Ireland, has begun distributing 200 donated, refurbished smartphones to Ukrainian refugees under its new #SmartPhones4UA initiative.
Together-Razem established the #SmartPhones4UA project after it was given a donation of 200 refurbished smartphones by a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. The donor specified that the devices should be distributed to refugees from Ukraine in particular.
The charity received 418 applications to the scheme from Ukrainians who arrived in Ireland after fleeing the war. The recipients were selected based on specific criteria and the particular situation of each applicant, with a specific focus on older people, people with an illness and single mothers. The selection was made following a review of the applications by Together-Razem staff and Ukrainian volunteers. The recipients are located across the whole of Ireland.
Commenting on the #SmartPhones4UA initiative, the project’s coordinator Tetiana Malanchuk said: “The ability to be in touch during this difficult time is both a matter of security and confidence, as well as of great assistance in overcoming the language barrier. We understand that their urgent departure from Ukraine, as well as other unpredictable difficulties that Ukrainian refugees are faced with when leaving their country, could lead to the loss or breakdown of their phones, so the opportunity to help people in this situation is very valuable for us.”
New Older Persons Group
A further new project by Together-Razem aims to reduce isolation and loneliness of older Ukrainians. The charity has established a weekly group meet-up to support Ukrainian older people to meet and socialise. Named Babushki Razom, the group is facilitated by Ukrainian speaking volunteers and it meets on Wednesdays at the Together4Ukraine Hub in Blackpool, Cork.
Christmas Hamper Drive
Together-Razem has announced that it will be including Ukrainian families in its annual ‘Let’s Share the Christmas Joy’ initiative, which is providing food hampers for Christmas to people from Eastern Europe who it supports at its centre in Blackpool, Cork.
For more information about Together-Razem, visit www.together-razem.org.
