Call for volunteers to match Ukrainian refugees with practical supports

The Helpify site is available in English, Ukrainian, Polish, French and Dutch.

Helpify Community Ukraine is calling on individuals in Cavan and Monaghan to join its Europe-wide volunteer network to assist those fleeing the war in Ukraine.

The not-for-profit, online platform aims to ease the burden for refugees by connecting those in need of help with a nearby volunteer who can meet their request. This might include travel or legal advice, transport, medical needs, short-term accommodation, translations or pet care.

The site is available in English, Ukrainian, Polish, French and Dutch.

Olena Leontieva, a Ukrainian national living in Ireland and Helpify Community Ukraine spokesperson explains: “The Helpify Community is about holding Ukrainians’ hands through every step of their journey – from their homes to the border and onward to their ultimate destination. Like so many people when the war broke out, we felt helpless. There were thousands of asks for help per hour on social media, most of them going unanswered. We wanted to find a way to connect the people who need help with those who can provide it.”

“People fleeing their homes don’t have the time or headspace to scroll for information on government websites or figure out complicated travel itineraries. Helpify takes the burden off the refugees. All the work is done by volunteers and the only ask of Ukrainians is to raise a mission.”

Olena Leontieva added, “Every day, people in Ireland are asking me how they can help. Registering as a volunteer for Helpify Community Ukraine is a way for everyone to do what they can, whether that’s driving a family from the airport to their destination, offering advice, providing clothes or short-term accommodation. Over 300 volunteers in Ireland have already joined Helpify but with up to 100,000 Ukrainian nationals expected here, we need all the help we can get.”