New Campaign Showcases the Contributions of Ukrainians to Ireland

The Irish Red Cross is collaborating with We Act, on a new campaign Together, We Act, to celebrate the contributions of Ukrainians within their new communities in Ireland. More than 17,000 Ukrainians who came to Ireland following the breakout of conflict in Ukraine in 2022 have already found full-time employment here, with many others actively contributing to Irish society through part-time work, volunteerism and other social activities.  

Together, We Act specifically highlights Ukrainian refugees who are working or volunteering with charities and community groups. Ads running around the country in August will tell the stories of Iryna and Artem, two Ukrainian refugees who have dedicated their time in Ireland to give back to their new communities.  

Both have spoken about how eager they are to show gratitude to those in Ireland who have been so generous and welcoming. According to research conducted by Ukrainian Action in Ireland in March 2024, 57% of Ukrainian people volunteer within their new communities in Ireland.  

The conflict in Ukraine has dramatically changed the lives of millions of people and has had a devastating impact on individual lives. Irish Red Cross has been responding to the unfolding crisis - providing humanitarian assistance both in Ireland and, internationally, in Ukraine and neighbouring countries 

“Ireland has recognised the suffering of the Ukrainian people and continues to respond generously,” explains Deirdre Garvey, Director General, Irish Red Cross. “Through the Irish Red Cross Pledged Accommodation programme, thousands of homes around Ireland have generously opened their homes and provided a warm welcome and safe home to Ukrainians. This generosity has been invaluable and has shown Ireland at its best.  

“For any displaced person, integration into their new community is essential but can be difficult. The Ukrainian people themselves have already made significant contributions to Ireland – both through employment and community and volunteering endeavours. Through Together, We Act we would like to celebrate this significant unity taking place in big and small ways in communities across Ireland,” says Garvey.  

We Act is a cross-voluntary sector campaign to raise awareness of the impact of charities and community groups. Claire McGowran is the We Act Campaign Manager, “We Act is all about putting a face to the people across our communities who work as night nurses or social workers, who volunteer in charity shops or wash the jerseys for the local team. The doers. And we’re really excited to be collaborating with the Irish Red Cross to celebrate the doers in the Ukrainian community who have brought so much energy to communities across Ireland”  

“We hear so much negativity in the news, and this is a good news story. It’s about people taking action to make their communities better, brighter, cleaner, or more equal places to live. We can’t wait for people around Ireland to hear Iryna and Artem’s stories, and about the impact they and so many Ukrainians have made during their time in Ireland.”  

Case studies 

Iryna’s Story 

Iryna, fled Berdyans’k in Ukraine with her daughter Mariana in April 2022 before arriving in the town of Gort, County Galway. She began volunteering as a translator with the local Cancer Support Centre and now works there, through a Tús scheme, in an administrative support role.  

“When my daughter and I arrived in Gort, we had just two backpacks and the clothes we were wearing. That’s it. And the local people welcomed us so warmly. Cosy rooms, food, clothing. The first thing we heard was, “This is your home,” she explains. “I’m happy that I can be useful here in Ireland. People here are amazing, and it’s really important to me, when we’ve received so much help and support, that we give something back.”  

Artem and his family came to Galway City from Bucha in Ukraine. He set up a hub for fellow Ukrainians to find information and essentials, from there, he established integration projects, children’s workshops and language classes. Part of his work is planning local beach clean ups for the Ukrainian community. Last year, he won the Irish Red Cross Volunteer of the Year Newcomer Award.  

“Arriving in Ireland was a very special day. We had traveled 3,000km in seven days, and people met us, they gave us food, clothes, somewhere for us to rest. People were so kind.” says Artem. “We feel, we should do something for Irish people, for Ireland, because Ireland was so kind and so welcoming.”