Salesian Works: True Reference Points for Ukraine's People

Salesian Works: True Reference Points for Ukraine’s People

(ANS – Kyiv, Ukraine – February 25, 2026) – Since Russia invaded on February 24 four years ago, Ukraine has known no respite, continuing to suffer serious damage to its energy infrastructure due to bombing. Power stations, substations, and transmission networks are regularly hit, causing prolonged blackouts that can last many hours or even days. With winter, power cuts become a real humanitarian emergency: without electricity, heating, hot water and light disappear. The most vulnerable – children, the elderly, and the chronically ill – pay the highest price.

In this context, Salesian works have become constant points of reference for the entire population. The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians and the Salesians of Don Bosco in the country have transformed houses and youth centers into places of welcome where displaced families are housed, hot meals are distributed, schools are kept open, and psychological support and prayer are offered. In many cities, Salesian facilities have become the only place where a minimum of stability and support can be found.

The only source of energy available is often a single generator, which can operate only if there’s fuel. Relying on a generator is clearly essential for activities such as cooking and distributing meals, charging phones and medical devices, providing evening lighting, and storing medicines at a controlled temperature. When the tank is empty, everything stops: lights, kitchens, water pumps, even oxygen concentrators.

Thru an online campaign by the Salesian Missionary Center in Warsaw, Salesian works are raising funds to purchase diesel and petrol, cover transport costs to the most affected areas, and build up emergency reserves.

The distribution of aid will be flexible and adapted to the current situation in different regions of the country, based on the intensity of power outages.

Contributing to the purchase of fuel means guaranteeing that every contribution is transformed into real energy: energy that heats, illuminates, and saves lives.

• hours of light and heat in the middle of winter,
• continuity of educational and welfare activities,
• minimum conditions of hygiene and safety,
• hope and concrete support for those who live in daily uncertainty.

“We continue to support the SDB and FMA communities in Ukraine,” writes the Missionary Center, “so that they can provide electricity, heat, and safety where they are most needed today.”

More information about the project and how to help is available on the website misjesalezjanie.pl, accessible via this link.