Ukraine prepares for Christmas in the midst of war

The Red Kettle Christmas Campaign has kicked off across wartorn Ukraine, with all eight corps joining in.

In the lead-up to Christmas every year, all eight corps across the Ukraine Division participate in the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.

Despite the ongoing difficulties and dangers of Russia’s devastating war, Salvation Army leaders say that this tradition continues to inspire generosity.

A Salvation Army volunteer bringing smiles to people on the increasingly cold and often dark streets.

“The familiar sight of Christmas kettles, along with carol-singing and bell-ringing on busy streets, in shopping centres and near offices, encourages people to help bring Christmas cheer to those who are suffering – those who have lost relatives to the war, children living in orphanages after losing their parents, soldiers recovering in hospitals, individuals who have lost their homes and become displaced, the lonely, the struggling.

“It brings hope to the discouraged and keeps us focused on our eternal hope.”

Scouts volunteer to assist!

Salvation Army volunteers, including scouts, assist in the campaign, bringing smiles to people on the increasingly cold and often dark streets with their singing, music and sense of fun and joy.

“We’ll have a good time, and it’s for such a useful cause,” they emphasise.

 The Christmas message is also being taught across corps ministries, including Sunday Schools, youth meetings, women’s gatherings, scouts, and groups for sports, craft and music.

Safety

Salvation Army leaders have also asked for prayers for a camp for adults and children – especially for the children.

“The camp is just outside the Kyiv region, which is more dangerous,” they explain.

Pray for the adults and young people setting off on a pre-Christmas camp.

Everyday issues don’t stop during wartime, including, sadly, bullying at school. Traumatised, grieving, confused and often angry children struggle to make sense of nearly four years of war, and can take these feelings out on others.

There was a meeting-training ‘Parental superpower against bullying’.

Discussed effective strategies for protecting and supporting our children.

Salvation Army personnel assist with teaching parents how to help their children deal with bullying,

Service

All corps continue to assist families with vouchers and physical goods, including clothes and shoes.

Recently, 1650 family vouchers were distributed to needy families, including those from veteran organisations, the Foundation of Disabled of Chernobyl, the Kyiv City Organisation of Disabled War, and the Armed Forces and Participants of Combat.

Volunteers regularly distribute vouchers for essentials to some of Ukraine's most desperate people.

“People thanked us and said it was very timely,” the organisers shared. “Some didn’t know where to get help, and here it was provided. It helped many to feel that they weren’t alone. And many sent us photos of what they could purchase with their certificates.”