Tetiana Stawnychy, President of Caritas Ukraine, has met with donors and staff of Caritas Australia, sharing firsthand insights into the organisation’s evolving humanitarian response amid the protracted war in Ukraine.
She delivered a powerful account of the scale and complexity of Caritas Ukraine’s operations to those in attendance. The audience included representatives of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan, the Brigidine Sisters and the Presentation Sisters, who are all supporters of Caritas Australia’s Ukraine Appeal.
“Caritas Ukraine has grown from a network of several hundred staff to over 2,500, responding to missile strikes, mass displacement, and the long-term needs of veterans, people with disabilities, and grieving families,” Tetiana Stawnychy said. “Our work is deeply rooted in community, and the solidarity we’ve received from donors here in Australia has been a source of strength and resilience.”
She also spoke movingly about the resilience of Caritas staff and volunteers in Ukraine, many of whom continue their work amid nightly missile strikes and personal loss. “We get up in the morning after hours of explosions and go to work to help others. That’s how we stay resilient, by living our mission.”
Caritas Ukraine’s layered response has reached millions of displaced and vulnerable people since the full-scale invasion began in 2022. Programs now span emergency aid, psychosocial support, housing repair, livelihoods programs, and advocacy for social reform. The organisation is also pioneering new models of care, including primary medical centres and mobile rehabilitation units for rural areas that are home to veterans and civilians affected by war.
Caritas Australia’s Programs Director Dan Skehan said the visit was a timely reminder of the enduring humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and the importance of sustained international support.
“Tetiana’s leadership and the work of Caritas Ukraine are nothing short of extraordinary,” he said. “Her visit has deepened our understanding of the challenges facing Ukrainian communities and the innovative, compassionate ways Caritas is responding.”
Tetiana Stawnychy’s visit coincides with her participation in a personal injury and disability industry conference as a guest of the Rotary Club, which runs a Ukraine Crisis Appeal. Her presence at this conference highlights the growing international interest in Ukraine’s emerging expertise in rehabilitation and trauma recovery, expertise forged under the harsh realities of war.
Caritas Australia continues to support Caritas Ukraine through its Ukraine Appeal, helping fund emergency relief, trauma recovery, and long-term development initiatives.
To support Caritas Australia’s Ukraine Appeal, visit www.caritas.org.au/ukraine or call 1800 024 413 toll free.
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Media contact: Tara Harvey 0484 002 021 tara.harvey@caritas.org.au or caritasmedia@caritas.org.au
