The Finnish Red Cross says it needs more volunteers to serve the people who have fled the fighting in Ukraine.
Volunteers are currently involved in emergency accommodation preparations and equipment arrangements, but more is needed when new facilities are opened.
Tommi VirtanenThe contingency manager of SPR’s Southwest Finland district says that there are about 200 volunteers assisting in the district’s activities, and an invitation to volunteer has been sent to about a thousand people. In general, about 10 percent of those invited actually volunteer.
"We are grateful for everyone’s help. It is not yet known what help is needed and the need for help may continue for a long time to come. Street fundraisers are underway, but we also need people to help and support Ukrainians in everyday matters at reception centers," Virtanen told Yle.
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The Red Cross co-operates with the Finnish Immigration Service in matters related to the reception and temporary protection of Southwest Finland and supports municipalities and other local bodies.
For example, representatives of the Red Cross are present at the Raisio southwestern city police station to serve refugees who report to the authorities.
"We distribute to them e.g. juice and snacks as well as wool socks knitted by our craft club. Brochures on Red Cross mental health services are also available in Ukrainian," explain Tarja Tiitta-NieminenSpokesperson for SPR’s local department in Raisio.
The Red Cross also coordinates other voluntary activities with both the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Ministry of the Interior.
Those interested in volunteering are asked to register at my.punainenristi.fi (in Finnish or Swedish) or become a volunteer In English.
The Red Cross trains the tasks assigned to volunteers.
Source: The Nordic Page