Completed Projects
2023
Deliveries as part of the Supply in July Project
Completed shelving at the Vynohradiv, Ukraine Aid Collection and Distribution Center
VM4U van team delivering an industrial dryer, 1 dining table, and children’s clothes on 2023-06-10
VM4U Volunteers relocating refugees following the closure of the Vienna Arrival Center
VM4U volunteers transporting elderly disabled refugees from Vienna to an assisted living facility in western Ukraine
Volunteers organization the abrupt relocation of ~100 at-risk refugees following the closure of the Haidehof dormitory.
Volunteers loading The Feel Good Store furnishings into the VM4U van
Volunteers purchasing urgently needed and heavily discounted winter clothing at MA48
Kharkiv Regional Pyschiatric Hospital No. 3 in receipt of an 11 kW generator from Rotary Club Vienna Maria Theresa and…
Name of the Project
Date of Completion
Description
Supply in July Project
2023-07-29
During July, VM4U drivers, Sasha, Andy, Vanessa, Michael, and Adam, drove 13,593 km in the course of completing 8 supply deliveries in Ukraine in support of VM4U partner organizations UAID-Direct, Kleine Herzen, Net of Hope, Hahó Volunteers, PC’s fur Alle, Oleg “Mr. Insulin”, and YOUkraine. This included supplies for orphanages, aid-collection and distribution centers, and hospitals. The total operations expense of 2,871.40 EUR included diesel, shipping, repairs, driver lodging, vignettes was covered by VM4U donations.
Haho Volunteers Support Project
2023-07-20
On 20 May 2023, VM4U was contacted by HAHO Volunteers from Budapest, requesting VM4U logistical support. Haho Volunteers had sourced nearly 2 tons of industrial shelving in Vienna which was needed to outfit an aid collection and distribution center in Vynohradiv, Ukraine (near the Hungarian border). In July 2023, VM4U van teams picked up the shelving in Vienna. On July 2 and July 20, two separate VM4U van teams delivered the shelving from Vienna to the Vynohradiv Center. On July 21-23, volunteers from Haho Volunteers and Net of Hope, also from Budopest, traveled to the Vynohradiv Center, constructed the shelving, and effectively converted the Vynohradiv Center from a warehouse of boxes into kitchen pantry. The volunteer operated Vynohradiv Center serves ~300 displaced people per day. VM4U donations covered the cost of van fuel and vignettes.
Zhuravno Orphanage Supply Project
2023-07-02
On 2023-04-30, VM4U began a social media campaign to raise donations for industrial washers and industrial dryers urgently needed by the displaced orphanage in Zhuravno, Ukraine. On 2023-06-10, a VM4U van team (including a driver from Rotory International – Maria Theresa Chapter Vienna) delivered children’s clothing from The Feel Good Store along with an industrial dryer and a dining table from VM4U. On 2023-06-10, VM4U received a request for 5 computers. On 2023-07-02, a VM4U van team delivered 5 PC computers from PCs für Alle and toys from Kleine Herzen.
Vienna Arrival Center Support Project
2023-06-05
The Vienna Arrival Center (VAC, refugee center operated by Red Cross) closed on 6/5. Svetlana, VM4U Case Manager, led VM4U volunteers in a cooperative effort with the Red Cross staff to find accommodations and transportation for the people (and their personal belongings) who remained there after closing. The reason why many refugees remained at the VAC after closing were primarily because these refugees were caught in the bureaucratic gears. These cases included: (1) refugees who were initially registered in other Austrian cities and, thus, are ineligible to receive government sponsored accommodations in Vienna; (2) refugees who have turned down a government sponsored accommodation in Vienna (and thus will not receive a second offer); and (3) refugees with special needs (e.g., elderly, disabled, blind, ill) with too many suitcases, and cannot relocate using public transportation. VM4U volunteers transported 9 refugees and their personal belongings to Hostel Hutteldorf (dormitory operated by VolksHilfe) using the VM4U van and VM4U volunteer’s private vehicles. At the end of the day, all refugees remaining at the center where offered at-least a temporary accommodation in Vienna. The cost of fuel and packing materials were covered by VM4U donations and volunteers; IKEA bags were sponsored by Social Work Hub.
Shklo Repatriation Project
2023-06-01
VM4U transported 6 elderly people (4 disabled) from Vienna (staying at Hostel Hutteldorf, operated by Volkshilfe) to an assisted living facility in Shklo, Ukraine (outside of Lviv). These people came to Vienna via volunteers from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia last fall. The VM4U Project Manager organized the transportation of these very fragile people. A VM4U van team forwarded the personal belongings to the assisted living facility in Ukraine ahead of the passengers. Seven VM4U volunteers in Vienna along with staff from the Austrian National Railway (ÖBB), transported these people from Hostel Hutteldorf to Vienna Hauptbahnhof and assisted them onto the train during the 8 minute window. Two VM4U volunteers accompanied the passengers on the train to the Przemysl, Poland Main Train Station (on the Polish-Ukraine border). About 12 people assisted to unload the passengers off the train without a wheel chair ramp. Two volunteer drivers from Ukraine with private vehicles then drove the 6 passengers from Przemysl to the assisted living facility and arrived by midnight. VM4U and volunteer donations were used for refugee and volunteer train tickets and volunteer return bus tickets.
Haidehof Dormatory Support Project
2023-04-15
The closure of the Haus Haidehof dormitory occurred on 4/15. ~100 refugee tenants, who are mostly disabled, blind, amputee, wheel chair bound, and with serious medical concerns, were unable to move by the deadline and were at-risk of ending up on the street. VM4U organised a team led by Svetlana, Case Manager, who earlier this week met with the Haus Haidehof management from Samariterbund. Svetlana negotiated permission for VM4U support and then interviewed the ~100 refugee tenants to establish the needs. After the human and material resources were organised, Svetlana then marshalled ~50 volunteers to pack baggage, transport refugees, and deliver baggage from Haidehof to ~10 locations around Vienna over 48 hours. Svetlana also worked with counterparts from Fonds Soziales Wien, i.e. the Austrian government, to perform last minute placement of refugees without accommodation. All refugees and their belongings were successfully transferred to new accommodations except for 4 cases, including blind and disabled refugees, who were forced to stay at the Vienna Arrival Center (refugee center operated by Red Cross). One family with life-threatening medical concerns was transferred to a VM4U host family with permission for FSW. The Social Work Hub sponsored the 500 IKEA bags, YOUkraine and VM4U provide medical supplies, and The Feel Good Store and VM4U supplied volunteers.
The Feel Good Store Relocation Project
2023-03-24
VM4U assisted The Feel Good Store, a Ukraine specific aid collection and distribution store in Vienna, to change their store’s location. About 15 VM4U volunteers using the VM4U van completed the move over a period of two days.
St. Nicholas Project
2023-02-02
The St. Nicholas Project organized 417 presents (and ~500 sweets) for children in Vienna and at four VM4U supported orphanages in Austria and in Ukraine. The Project Manager matched the children with donors and organized the delivery of presents. Donated presents were raised by Kleine Herzen, Vienna Family Network, Domivka, The Feel Good Store, and many private persons. 350 chocolate Santas were donated by the Lindt Chocolate Company. Deliveries of presents to orphanages in Austria and Ukraine, as well as to the Save Ukraine organization in Ukraine, were performed by drivers from VM4U, The Feel Good Store, and First Aid First Hand, using the First Aid First Hand van and private vehicles. VM4U donations covered the cost of vehicle fuel and shipping; no VM4U donations were used to purchase presents or sweets.
Kherson Supply Project
2023-01-20
Through The Feel Good Store network, an urgent need in Kherson for winter clothing was reported. VM4U donations were used to purchase a large amount of high quality/low cost winter clothing through MA48 which was immediately transported by The Feel Good Store network directly to those in need in Kherson.
2022
VM4U volunteers and Blaguss drivers departing from Bratislava for the Medyke, Poland border crossing just before midnight on 2022-11-07
Ivanka (VM4U Mission Leader) and bus passengers prior to loading at their accommodation in Gaming on 2022-07-07
VM4U volunteers and OHU volunteers (cameraman) having procured urgently requested diapers on 2022-07-02
VM4U Project Manager receiving Dima and his family as they arrive in Vienna by ambulance on 2022-06-30
OHU volunteers having received urgently requested supplies on 2022-06-21
Donated medical supplies transported to Uzhhorod City Clinic on 2022-05-24
Medicine arriving on 2022-05-02
Filip, Puszczykowo City Council Chairman, and aid workers unloading supplies at the Pusczcykowo, Poland Refugee Center on 2022-04-28
Chartered bus from Ternopil, Ukraine, arriving at the Ukraine Arrival Center in Vienna on 2022-04-14
Kogl Orphanage Supply Project
2022-12-31
An orphanage from Severodonetsk, Ukraine, 73 kids (between 7 and 20 year old) and 13 caretakers, was relocated to St. Georgen, Austria (3 hours drive west from Vienna). VM4U continuously works with the orphanage and local government to answer the orphanage’s needs. VM4U donations have been used to purchase medicine. Sporting equipment was donated by a volunteer. Clothing, shoes, and toys were raised by Vienna Family Network and The Feel Good Store. Ukrainian/Russian language children’s books were imported from Lviv. A week of sailing instruction was organized by the local government with in-field translation support from a VM4U volunteer. 5 shipments of fresh fruit and vegetable have been purchased using VM4U donations; VM4U Project Manager is working with the local government to see that a sustainable supply of fresh fruit and vegetables becomes available.
Kharkiv Hospital Generator Supply Project
2022-12-29
In response to power outages, VM4U urgently delivered an 11 kW generator to the Kharkiv Regional Psychiatric Hospital No. 3. The hospital is the only operating psychiatric hospital in the Kharkiv region and cares for 950 patients. Rotary Club Vienna Maria Theresa and VM4U split the cost of the generator which was received by the hospital on 2022-12-29. VM4U donations were used to pay for the generator and the fuel, tolls, postage, and driver lodging associated with the delivery.
Zhuravno Orphanage Generator Supply Project
2022-12-16
In response to power outages, VM4U urgently delivered two 5 kW diesel generators, oil, and 140 L of diesel to the displaced orphanage at Zhuravno, Ukraine. The supplies were delivered on 2022-12-16 by VM4U and First Aid First Hand drivers using the First Aid First Hand van. VM4U donations paid for the generators, oil, diesel for the generator and the fuel, tolls, and driver lodging associated with the delivery.
Rivne Rescue Projet
2022-11-08
A foster family from Kherson, 2 foster parents and 15 foster children, ages 7-17, was transported by VM4U from the Polish-Ukrainian border to their long-term accommodation in Mureck, Austria. VM4U volunteers supported the family during transport, managed transportation logistics, and performed a human trafficking safeguards review. The long-term care and support for this family is provided by Caritas with additional support provided by the local government. This project is performed in partnership with Stepic CEE Charity, Caritas, Save Ukraine, Styrian Provincial Government, Children’s Service of Rivne, Rivne District State Administration, and the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria. VM4U donations were used to pay for the bus charter and food for the passengers.
Gaming Bussing Project
2022-07-07
On 2022-03-27, VM4U transported 43 mothers and children from the Polish-Ukrainian border to long term accommodations in Gaming, Austria, as part of the At-Risk People Rescue Project. At the request of these people, VM4U transported 26 of the 43 mothers and children back to Ukraine on 2022-07-07. VM4U organized the logistics, buses, and volunteers for the EU side of the journey. A VM4U Mission Leader (English and Ukrainian speaker), accompanied the bus to the Medyke, Poland border crossing. At the Medyke, Poland border crossing, Ivanka and the passengers proceeded to cross the border on foot. Once in Ukraine, the passengers boarded a second bus which took the passengers to their final destination. This project was fully funded by the project requester and a €500 private donation; no VM4U donations were used for this project.
2022-07-02
The Österreich Hilft Ukraine (OHU) organization is a humanitarian aid collection and distribution center in Vienna which supports ~1000 refugee families. OHU reached out to VM4U with an urgent need of diapers, sizes 5, 6, and 7. VM4U responded by sending a team to the METRO bulk supply store here in Vienna, purchasing diapers, and delivering them to OHU.
Dima Rescue Project
2022-06-30
Dima is a civilian medic from Kharkiv and T1 diabetic. During his service, he developed extreme kidney complications. He and his family lost nearly everything and were coming close to losing Dima as well. VM4U, in collaboration with UAID-Direct and the Association for the development of Jewish Communities in Ukraine, organized the relocation of Dima and his family to Vienna as well as Dima’s long term medical care. Dima, his wife, two daughters, and their cat were transported by ambulance with an onboard doctor and arrived in Vienna on 6/30. Since then, the family has received long term accommodation and comprehensive support by VM4U volunteers, particularly in the navigation of the Austrian medical and refugee systems.
2022-06-21
The Österreich Hilft Ukraine (OHU) organization is a humanitarian aid collection and distribution center in Vienna which supports ~1000 refugee families. OHU reached out to VM4U in need of specific supplies, especially diapers. The VM4U Project Manager connected the ‘Daughters of the American Revolution organization with OHU and supplied €500 of aid.
2022-05-24
VM4U received a donation of medical grade baby food and associated feeding tubes from a private donor. Utilizing VM4U networks, a need in Ukraine was identified and the medical supplies were shipped to the Uzhhorod, Ukraine City Clinic.
2022-05-02
VM4U received a request for help from a hospital in Pokotylivka, Ukraine, a Kharkiv suburb. Working with the Pokotylivka medical team, a list of critical medicines, which are affordable and accessible in Vienna but are a question of life and death around Kharkiv, was made. The list included medications such as Metformin (high blood pressure), Insulin (diabetes), Levothyroxine (thyroid), and others. The cost of the medication was covered by St. Barbara’s Church, procured by VM4U, and transported by the YOUkraine organization. The shipment consisted of 2 x 20+ kg boxes with requested life-critical medications. The package was sent out. VM4U later received news that the same day the shipment arrived, the hospital was bombed. Several people died, and more people were buried in debris. The office of a medical team responsible for our donation was also destroyed. The only thing left was the door and a kettle. By luck, neither the medical team, nor the donation was in the office at that time. There were many incredible coincidences this day, but also tragedy. A week later the first photos of medicine distribution started to come in. Despite everything, this project became a success.
2022-04-28
Filip is city council chairman of Puszczykowo, Poland, a city of ~9000 people. He previously reached out to VM4U for help to furnish the Refugee Center that was born from necessity in their town. Filip has informed us that the population of their center has continued to rise to ~500 refugees and that further furnishings are needed. A VM4U Project Manager raised the additional supplies from their personal networks which include washing machine, clothes dryer (machine), 1 or 2 tv, electric cooker, hygiene products, school furniture, and cleaning supplies. VM4U donations were used to buy a dryer and cover delivery costs. The van was generously provided by the First Aid First Hand organization, www.firstaid-firsthand.de. These supplies were delivered on 2022-04-28.
2022-04-14
35 at-risk people without the means to evacuate without support, departed by bus from Ternopil, Ukraine on 4/13 and arrived at Ukraine Arrival Center (UAC) in Vienna, Austria on 4/14. VM4U donations covered the cost to charter the bus. VM4U volunteers, including a project manager and human trafficking safeguards officer, planned, prepared, and staffed the operation.
2022-04-09
As mainstream supply lines to refugee centers formed, situation specific supplies were not included in the initial waves of supplies. Situation specific supply shortages were discovered by VM4U van teams during their daily visits to the various refugee centers in Poland. These situation specific supply shortages initially included female specific supplies, pet supplies, and medical supplies related to the freezing temperatures. As the mainstream supply lines caught up to the needs, new situation specific supply shortages appeared, such as extended stay supplies including underwear, shampoo, soap, and basic medications, and as temperatures increased, bottled water. VM4U quickly answered the supply shortages at Polish Refugee Centers within 24 hours of the discovery of a shortage. Most supplies were sourced from material donations to St. Barbara’s Church, some supplies were raised from VM4U direct material donations, and other supplies were procured using VM4U donations. VM4U volunteers transported these supplies directly to the Polish refugee centers where they were desperately needed.
Medyke Water Supply Project
2022-03-30
Following reports of sever water shortages Medyke, Poland border crossing on 3/23, VM4U immediately began running water this location. 5 tons of bottled water were delivered by VM4U. The shortage was alleviated by cooler weather on 3/30. VM4U van teams, and Team Fynn, an independent van team from the UK, were involved in the transportation. VM4U donations were used to purchase the water.
2022-03-27
An Orphanage in Ternopil, Ukraine (~70 orphans and caregivers) reached out to VM4U with an urgent need for supplies. This group provided a list of urgently needed supplies. In partnership with a group of advocates for Ukraine associated with Texas A&M University (USA), the VM4U Project Manager made procurements of the requested items which were transported to the Ukrainian border on 3/27 using a van provided by First Hand First Aid where they met a second van sent by the orphanage. VM4U donations were used to procure supplies.
2022-03-27
On 3/26-27, 43 at-risk mothers and their children were transported from the Ukraine border to a campus in Gaming, Austria. This was achieved working closely First Aid First Hand. VM4U role was the mission leadership, logistics, supplies, and volunteers. VM4U donations were used to charter the buses and pay for supplies.
2022-03-26
On 3/25-26, 67 orphans from 3 months- 7 years old (along with 28 care givers + their 15 children) were transported from the Ukrainian border to Burgauberg-Neudauberg (Burgenland, Austria). This was achieved working closely with Kleine Herzen, the Red Cross, First Aid First Hand, Save Ukraine and the Austrian government. VM4U role was mission leadership, logistics, supplies, and volunteers. VM4U donations were used to charter the buses and pay for supplies.
2022-03-25
Filip, chairman of the city council in Puszczykowo, Poland reached out to VM4U with an urgent need of basic supplies for an improvised refugee center in their city housing 100 refugees (at that time), mostly women and children. The chairman provided a supply list which included basic appliances such as a refrigerator, 2 washing machines, 2 TV’s, 2 vacuum cleaners, and kitchen appliances and utensils in addition to clothes, school supplies, food, hygiene, baby supplies, and bicycles. A VM4U project manager tapped their personal networks and raised the estimated €7,500 of supplies privately. VM4U donations covered the cost of a 3.5 ton cargo truck rental and delivery. The supplies were delivered on 2022-03-25.
Przemysl Supply Project
2022-03-08
VM4U vans travel to the Polish-Ukrainian border on a daily basis and deliver suppliers to and bring refugees from the Polish-Ukrainian border. Based on VM4U driver reports, the Przemysl, Poland Refugee Center has urgent supply shortages of female and baby specific supplies. VM4U drivers were tasked to prioritize these items when loading the daily vans with supplies. These specific supplies are raised from donations to St. Barbara’s church and purchased by VM4U van drivers enroute to the Polish-Ukrainian border. VM4U van drivers delivered these specific supplies to the Przemysl Refugee Center on 2022-03-08.