Petri Suomala, Vice President for Education at Aalto University, says: 'Recent events and the war in Ukraine are affecting the well-being and sense of security of us all. For people in the midst of a crisis, the situation is downright unsustainable, with the war taking its toll on work or study. Especially in a situation like this, we at Aalto have the opportunity not only to support each other but also to show in a concrete way our concern for those suffering from the war.'
How can I help?
Ukraine and its borders are in dire need of assistance at the moment. The UN estimates that some 12 million people will be in need of help in the coming months and that the number of people fleeing to neighbouring countries in need of help could reach millions.
Many want to help those affected by the war. Financial assistance should be directed to well-established, experienced and reliable aid organisations with experience in dealing with public authorities and other aid organisations in crisis situations. They have storage space, distribution channels and networks through which to find help. Aid organisations also know best what kind of supplies help is needed most at the site. Through established organisations, money is most likely to get there and not end up in the pocket of organised crime.
Below are a few ways how you as an individual can help those suffering:
Red Cross
Web: you can help by donating to disaster relief fund
Phone: call 0600 12220 (20.28 € + local network charge)
SMS: send SPR20 to number 16499 (20 €)
Mobilepay: number 10900
Bank transfer: OP FI52 5000 0120 4156 73 (recipient: Red Cross, reference number 5186)
Unicef
Web: Help protect children in Ukraine
SMS: send UKRAINA to 16110 (20 €)Mobilepay: number 33742
Pelastakaa Lapset (Save the Children Finland)
Web: you can help by donating to emergency fundraising
SMS: send UKRAINA20 to 16499 (20 €)Mobilepay: number 5557
Bank transfer: Nordea FI64 1017 3000 2107 27 (reference UKRAINA)
Alumni network calls alumni to help Ukraine
The alumni community at Aalto University has expressed strong support for Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the board of the alumni network is gathering ideas from alumni to help those in need.
Kaj Hagros, Chairman of the Board of the Aalto University Alumni Network, is pleased with the abundance of initiatives: ‘It is heartening to see alumni posting help initiatives on the discussion thread the alumni board created. We hope that many more have joined the suggested charities and other ways to help. Following this post, we also received direct feedback and additional suggestions, for instance by the Ukrainian Association in Finland who called for help in arranging transportation for refugees and create employment opportunities in Finland. These can also be found on the thread.’
More information on Aalto website Learn more about help initiatives and add your ideas and suggestions to the chain
Want to support students from Ukraine?
Read about donating to our Ukraine fund