What can you do to help Ukrainian refugees?

On a daily basis, we are confronted with terrible news about the war in Ukraine. The first group of Ukrainian refugees has arrived at Ter Apel. We've already received many wonderful messages from residents offering shelter to Ukrainian people who are fleeing their country.

Do you want to help out? A number of agencies can assist you in directing your help. The options available to you are listed below.

Giro 555

When you donate through Giro 555, you contribute to medical care, food, shelter and psychosocial support. One of the collaborating relief organizations behind Giro 555 is the Rode Kruis (the Dutch Red Cross). 

These agencies can assist you in directing your help

There is a desperate need for volunteers who can help refugees find their way around the Netherlands. There's also a shortage of various items (clothes, food, toiletries and so on). You can find more information at the following links:

• The Rode Kruis (the Dutch Red Cross);
• Do you have room to provide shelter for a refugee, or do you want to offer help in another way? Visit the Vluchtelingenwerk Nederland (Dutch Refugee Assistance) website;
• The UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the UN refugee agency);
• Voedselbank Zuidwest-Drenthe;
• Tweede Kans Kleding Westerveld.

If you have set up your own initiative or would like to, please contact us via e-mail (info@gemeentewesterveld.nl) or call 14 0521, and provide us with your contact information.

Provide shelter

If you are able to take one or more refugees into your home, you can find information using the following link: takecarebnb.org. If you are in urgent need of assistance outside of openings hours please contact our emergency number: 06-55763037.

News updates and recent developments

The Dutch government website contains up-to-date information about the current conflict in Ukraine.

Visit RTV Drenthe's website for the latest updates on initiatives in the province of Drenthe. You can find information about which initiatives have been set up and how you can contribute.