Dorcas is deeply concerned about the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. CEO Leo Visser states: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a terrible fact today. It is one of those moments in history that we will remember for a long time. We fervently hoped and prayed that it would not come to this. Many people will experience the consequences of this terrible war. As Dorcas we will do everything possible to support them.”

In the weeks and days before this invasion, Dorcas already started preparing an aid operation in case people would be forced to flee their homes from the violence of war. Our local colleagues are monitoring the situation in Ukraine but also in Moldova and other surrounding countries, where many IDPs and refugees are expected to arrive, and we are preparing a humanitarian response together with our local and international partners.

Dorcas Ukraine country director Ferenc Katko: “This is a nightmare. Everything is uncertain now.”

Dorcas has been active in Ukraine for 25 years with programmes for people in extreme poverty and for people who previously had to flee the violence in the Donbas region of Ukraine.

Keep updated on Dorcas’ response to the crisis in Ukraine via the updates page.

For the third time in a row Dorcas Moldova organised a food collection campaign. In a time where a lot of Moldovan struggle with high prices and a worsening health and economic situation, Dorcas Moldova still distributed more than 3,000 buckets full of food. Many people in Moldova are suffering and living under difficult circumstances, especially those without financial stability, who are suffering from an illness or simply have no ways to provide for their basic needs.

Dorcas Moldova organised food collections, in blue buckets, and offered these buckets to marginalised people, such as older persons and families living in difficult circumstances. In the context of the situation created by the pandemic, which led to isolation, fear, stress and concern about what’s coming, Dorcas Moldova continued to support people who struggle with difficulties every day, helping them look to the future with hope. A total of 3,278 families received a bucket full of food products during the Blue Bucket Campaign 2021 edition. This is the third year in a row that Dorcas Moldova is organising the Blue Bucket Campaign. In the first two editions of the campaign, more than 3,000 buckets full of food arrived in the homes of families facing difficulties or at risk.

The campaign team is deeply moved by the generosity of the people, and the results far exceeded expectations. For the 2021 edition, they wanted to support 1,500 families in need. The actual number of buckets that needed to be filled with food reached 3,278. But the “Blue Bucket” means more than just a bucket of food. It’s a way to show love and empathy for their neighbour through concrete deeds, to meet the needs of those in difficult circumstances. The Blue Bucket Campaign is a joint contribution to bring the joy of the winter holidays to the families of those who fight for existence every day.

On this occasion, Dorcas Moldova would like to thank everyone who contributed to these wonderful results: the local partners and churches, the team of teachers, students and parents from the private institutions and high schools, and the diaspora. Additionally, people donated money which resulted in 60 buckets of food for families with limited possibilities of existence. 

Dorcas Moldova also received great support from our International Office in the Netherlands.  Through our shared vision, we exchange knowledge and other resources. Together, we speak out against injustice. This is how we amplify our impact.