A Lifeline to Pokrovsk: Supporting People and Animals in Crisis
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and regular supporters, we delivered lifesaving aid to Natalia, a courageous woman sheltering 50 cats and feeding 23 dogs in her home in the war-torn frontline city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine. Amid relentless shelling and the absence of heating, running water, or food supplies, Natalia’s unwavering kindness shines as she refuses to leave behind the animals in her care
Thanks to everyone’s support, we sent:
- 100 kg of dog food, 150 kg of cat food, and 30 kg of cat litter to Natalia.
- An additional 300 kg of dog food, distributed among Pokrovsk residents caring for their pets and feeding local street animals.
Since the war began, independent volunteer Yevgeny has braved frontline cities delivering aid donated by kind people and businesses of Odesa region. His latest mission at the end of December, was to deliver aid to the war-torn city of Pokrovsk.
Pokrovsk residents asked Yevgeny if there was a possibility of including animal feed. Yevgeny reached out to us for help – he said he had space for a maximum of 550kg of animal feed, and we acted quickly, purchasing high-quality food to make every kilogram count.
BACKSTORY:
The frontline city of Pokrovsk faces unimaginable hardship. With no heating, light, or water, and relentless shelling day after day, survival is a constant battle. Yet many residents stay, living amongst the ruins, unable to abandon their animals. Refugee shelters refuse pets, and emigrating indefinitely feels impossible for most. So, they stay and take their chance with destiny.
Food trucks no longer deliver to Pokrovsk after both a meat truck and a bread truck were bombed. Yet, amidst this chaos, people and animals are still holding on, thanks to the courage and compassion of individuals like Yevgeny.
Yevgeny has risked his life countless times to bring humanitarian aid to Pokrovsk and other frontline cities. His trips are filled with challenges, yet he continues to press on, delivering life-saving supplies donated by farmers and kind-hearted individuals in the Odesa region – vegetables like cabbage, onions, and potatoes, bread from a local bakery, and even fish. This winter, he planned a trip to Pokrovsk for December 27, but after injuring his back during loading, he set off on December 31, accompanied by his team and two vans packed with aid.
While many of us celebrated the New Year in warmth and safety, Yevgeny and his team were delivering supplies under relentless shelling. They brought with them 1.5 tons of cabbage, a ton of onions, a ton of potatoes, several hundred kilograms of fish, bread, and a ton of donated stew. The animal rescue community in Odesa region also raised an incredible $230 to purchase vital medicines to be distributed among the residents – medicines including fever reducers, painkillers, throat pills, antibiotics, and blood pressure meds.
For the abandoned and street animals of Pokrovsk, animal aid became part of Yevgeny’s mission for the first time, thanks to the incredible support of our K9 Rescue community and sponsors. Together, we provided 400 kg of dog food and 150 kg of cat food, as well as 30 kg of cat litter.
Here’s how the supplies were distributed:
- Natalia’s cat shelter: 100 kg of dog food, 150 kg of cat food, and 30 kg of cat litter.
- Pokrovsk residents: 300 kg of dog food distributed among residents who care for their own dogs or feed street animals.
The situation in Pokrovsk is dire. A video we saw before this trip showed families, including small children, living in basements without heat or light. The people of Pokrovsk are doing everything they can to survive, but resources are stretched thin. Yevgeny reported that many residents are already preparing for the city to fall under occupation, making this trip potentially his last to Pokrovsk.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, Yevgeny refuses to stop his missions of hope. For nearly three years, he has delivered aid to frontline cities, and his determination remains unshaken.
We are immensely grateful to Yevgeny, to Natalia, to our donors, and to every person who supported this mission. Your compassion is helping both people and animals survive in these unimaginable conditions.
Thank You for Making This Possible
This animal feed mission was made possible by the incredible generosity of our sponsors and loyal supporters. Together, you’ve helped Natalia’s 50 cats and 23 dogs get the food they desperately needed, as well as food for the dogs and stray dogs being cared for by Pokrovsk residents.
If you feel moved to help, please reach out. Your compassion fuels hope, and together we can continue to support these brave individuals who refuse to give up, no matter how dark the days may seem.
Let’s keep praying for the people and animals of Pokrovsk.