Camas seeks donations to help Ukrainian refugees in Polish ‘sister cities’

The city of Camas is collecting monetary donations to help Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia’s war on their country.

The donations will be sent to Camas’ three sister cities in Poland: Krapkowice, Morawica and Zabierz?w, where thousands of Ukrainians have taken refuge over the past two weeks.

According to the United Nations’ refugee agency, UNHCR, more than 2 million Ukrainians – mostly women, children and the elderly – have fled Ukraine since Russian forces launched a full-scale military assault on Ukraine on Feb. 24. UNHCR reported this week that most Ukrainian refugees have gone to Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Romania and Slovakia in what is being called the largest refugee crisis in Europe since World War II.

According to the United Nations, at least 364 Ukrainian civilians — including at least 38 children — have been killed since the start of the Russian military invasion two weeks ago.

On Monday, Camas Mayor Steve Hogan said the mayors of Camas’ three Polish sister cities had asked for money to help provide clothing, food and shelter to the onslaught of Ukrainian refugees.

“We have the opportunity to help our Polish sister cities, to help the refugees from Ukraine,” Hogan said.

Donations in the form of checks should be made out to Camas Sister City Organization with a note stating the funds are for Poland to support Ukrainian refugees, and mailed to City of Camas, attention: Camas Sister City Organization, 616 N.E. Fourth Ave., Camas, WA 98607.

Camas’ sister cities in Poland will distribute the funds and intend to use the money to help feed, clothe and shelter the refugees.

“Please note, there is no expectation of giving, but any amount will help,” Hogan stated on the city’s website.