Czech foundation launches collection to aid Romani children, communities and families in Ukraine

The OSF Foundation in Prague has launched a fundraiser to help Romani children and families in Ukraine. The funds will be used mainly for the distribution of material and other humanitarian aid to displaced families from Romani communities in Ukraine.

Later, the funds will possibly be used to mitigate the consequences of this brutal, devastating war. "The OSF Foundation has long worked with Roma and socially disadvantaged children and their families, initiating and supporting the establishment of the Early Care Platform in the Czech Republic, and therefore now we are naturally offering our assistance to the Romani children and families in Ukraine," Lucie Plešková of the OSF Foundation told the Romea.cz news server. 

"There are now thousands of Romani communities forced to flee their homes, often from one moment to the next without any time to plan, as a result of the Russian invasion, bombing and state of war. Those who remain live in great fear, uncertainty and confusion," Plešková said.

According to Plešková, the support will be provided through "Blago", the charitable foundation in Kharkiv, Ukraine that coordinates the Roma Early Years Network (REYN) of experts and organizations dedicated to working with Romani children, communities and families in Ukraine. "You can help both by making a financial contribution and by sharing this information. Thank you for helping us!" her message ends.