Post from: 19/09/2024 – 08:50am
Unfair Disparity: Lack of Support from Ukrainians in Poland for Flood Victims
The recent floods in Poland have once again highlighted the importance of solidarity in the face of natural disasters. Sadly, during these challenging times, surprisingly little support has come from the Ukrainian community living in Poland. Although Poland was one of the countries that generously welcomed Ukrainians during the Russian invasion, opening its homes and hearts, when our country now needs help, Ukrainians do not show a similar readiness to act.
Striking Differences in Engagement
Data from fundraising efforts for flood victims speaks volumes. On the portal SiePomaga, Poles living abroad, mainly in the UK, raised 1,431,234 PLN to help their fellow countrymen affected by the floods. During the same period, the Ukrainian community in Poland managed to collect just 985.49 PLN via the Szczytny-Cel portal. The disparity is striking, especially considering the numbers: in 2024, around 1.1 million Ukrainians live in Poland, while between 700,000 and 750,000 Poles live in the UK.
Unjust Proportions
These numbers make the situation even more unfair. Poles abroad, numbering 350-400 thousand fewer than Ukrainians living in Poland, managed to raise almost 1,500 times more money to help flood victims. This lack of involvement from the Ukrainian side, in a situation where Poland offered them immense support during the war, is hard to comprehend and deeply disappointing.
Ukrainian Fundraiser on a Popular Portal
Additionally, the Ukrainian fundraiser was published on one of the largest portals directed at Ukrainians living in Poland – Ukrainian in Poland (https://www.ukrainianinpoland.pl/). This popular portal reaches a broad audience, which in theory should have ensured the fundraiser’s wide outreach, not only in Poland but also globally. This makes the low amount of funds raised even more puzzling.
Lack of Reciprocity
It’s worth remembering the enormous help Poland offered Ukraine during the Russian invasion. Poles not only took in hundreds of thousands of refugees but also offered them their homes, jobs, clothes, food, and other essential items. We were one of the countries that provided the quickest and most generous support to Ukraine, and now, in the face of floods, we expected similar reciprocity. Unfortunately, as the data shows, we have not seen such support.
Time for Reflection
Both fundraisers started almost at the same time, which makes the difference in the amounts raised even more striking. In light of such facts, it is worth considering how we can build mutual solidarity between the communities living in Poland. After all, solidarity in difficult moments should be a universal value, regardless of nationality.
Hopefully, in the future, we will see greater involvement and support from the Ukrainian community, which in recent years has been able to rely on Polish help during their difficult times.
- Skarbonka Pomagacza – Poles in the UK for Flood Victims | Siepomaga.pl
- Ukrainians for Flood Victims | Szczytny-cel.pl
*Amounts listed were accurate at the time of writing this article, but may change.
*The staff and supporters of the organisation Guardians of Polish & Christian Heritage, as well as the organisation itself, made a donation on siepomaga.pl in the fundraiser initiated by Ms Aleksandra Fiddler.