Here in Australia, we are still experiencing the sizzling temperatures of a long, hot summer. Yet on the other side of the world in Ukraine, many are struggling to survive through a brutally cold winter.
It is particularly severe for the elderly, disabled and families caring for war orphans. The scars of war remain, leaving many without adequate shelter. Along with plunging temperatures, hunger is an ever-present battle.
In a small village near Kherson, an elderly woman named Iryna spent weeks hiding in her basement as tanks and gunfire tore through her town. When she finally emerged, her home was barely standing. The roof was gone, her furniture shattered, and her belongings stolen. The only familiar sight was her frail dog, waiting for her return.
In the middle of a harsh winter, with nowhere else to go, Iryna had no choice but to rebuild her ruined home with her own hands. She patched up the walls, replaced the roof as best she could and held strongly to her faith. But food was scarce, and survival became harder by the day.
In villages where grocery stores have shut down, in communities where families have lost everything, and in homes where the elderly and disabled have no way to get food, your support is delivering life-saving meals.
War, financial hardship and destroyed infrastructure mean ordinary items like a toothbrush, nappies or flour are very difficult to find.
The elderly receive a weekly pension of just $130, with some getting just $70. The image above shows Iryna receiving food support from Feed The Hungry, to help get her through the bitter winter. She was so incredibly grateful, which is clear from the smile on her face and her hand on the heart of our volunteer worker.
