Relaunching the AOECS Emergency Fund for Ukraine
Since the onset of the full-scale occupation of Ukraine, the nation has experienced a devastating loss of its gluten-free food producers, with only four remaining operational. This dire situation has resulted in a critical shortage of gluten-free food, affecting Ukrainian coeliacs who rely on these specialized products for their well-being.
Taking note of the urgent humanitarian need, the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS) has been actively involved in funding food shipments into Ukraine since March 2022. These efforts have provided essential gluten-free sustenance to Ukrainian coeliacs still residing in Ukraine as well as Ukrainian refugees. To sustain and expand this crucial support, AOECS is relaunching the AOECS Emergency Fund, appealing for financial contributions from individuals and organizations worldwide.
Olga Naumova, President of the Ukrainian Coeliac Society, elaborated on the precarious situation facing Ukrainian coeliacs today, stating, "[The situation is] very dangerous because of attacks every day. Unfortunately, during these two years, we lost a lot of Ukrainian producers who produce gluten-free products. Now we have only four producers. That's why [we get] help from Poland and other AOECS member societies."
Coeliac Societies arranges transports into Ukraine which are redistributed by the Ukrainian Coeliac Society by the logistics company Nova Poshta. In some instances, gluten-free food must be shipped into occupied areas, a perilous task undertaken by dedicated volunteers risking their lives to deliver essential sustenance to coeliacs in need.
Since the commencement of the war on Ukraine, AOECS has successfully shipped 38,000 kilograms of gluten-free food through over 18 shipments. This commendable work, partially funded through the AOECS Emergency Fund, is a collective endeavor involving the tireless voluntary efforts of National Coeliac Societies within AOECS. Noteworthy contributions have come from societies in Poland, Ukraine, Hungary, Romania, and the Czech Republic.
Veronica Rubio, Secretary General of the AOECS, expressed gratitude to all private and corporate donors who have supported the initiative over the past year. Rubio fervently urged continued support, stating, "Please help us to continue this critical support to coeliacs."
Your assistance is indispensable in providing relief to those facing the hard consequences of the gluten-free food shortage in Ukraine. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of Ukrainian coeliacs in this time of crisis.
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