Sydney, Australia
The Emergency Action Alliance has launched an appeal to raise money for people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.
Over four million people have fled so far. The Emergency Action Alliance has 15 member organisations including Baptist World Aid. The alliance is launching its first appeal through a televised concert with the ABC.
Refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine arrive in Goerlitz via Poland, on their way to Leipzig, at the central station in Goerlitz, Germany, on 22nd March. PICTURE: Reuters/Matthias Rietschel/File photo.
The ABC Gives Ukraine Appeal airs tonight (30th March) at 8:30pm on ABC TV Plus.
The two hour concert will feature musicians such as Ed Sheeran, Manic Street Preachers, the Kingdom Choir, and Camila Cabelo performing from England.
All money raised will complement the recently announced $A2 million Federal Government contribution to Emergency Action Alliance’s Ukraine Appeal, as well as proceeds from existing EAA member Ukraine appeals.
Melissa Lipsett is the CEO of Baptist World Aid Australia.
“A refugee crisis is an inevitable outcome of tragic conflict, and this is a creative and unified response from members of the Emergency Action Alliance to support Ukraine,” Ms Lipsett said.“Baptist World Aid Australia is Standing with Ukraine, supporting Christian Partners throughout the region as they care for an influx of people seeking safety. And we’re tuning into the ABC for this generous response from such talented musicians.”
The Emergency Action Alliance formed as a coalition of emergency relief agencies in August, 2021.
The alliance handles emergency appeals for immediate humanitarian care. As well as Baptist World Aid, members include Act for Peace, Caritas Australia, Anglican Overseas Aid, Oxfam, Save the Children Australia, Tearfund, Childfund Australia, UNHCR Australia, CBM, Plan International, ActionAid, ADRA, and Australian Lutheran World Service.
The humanitarian crisis across Ukraine is escalating as people leave their homes in search of safety, crossing the border to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, and Moldova.
“As the situation continues, more families will be displaced, exacerbating the already urgent need for food, medical care and refuge,” Ms Lipsett said. “Gifts today will provide support for food, hygiene items, medicine, generators, blankets and necessary items for displaced people as well as shelters set up for them.”
The appeal is one of several launched by Christian aid agencies in response to the Ukraine crisis. Another campaign recently launched by HealthServe Australia seeks to raise $A125,000 for the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine by Easter.
Viewers can donate money throughout the evening online and via phone on 1300 939 000. Viewers will also be able to see the concert on ABC iView for 30 days after the broadcast
