The American Red Cross Supports CORE’s Ukraine Response Programs with New, Historic Partnership Agreements

press Release

December 29, 2022

CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) recognizes the American Red Cross for its unprecedented support to CORE’s Ukraine response programs with a generous top-up contribution of $2 Million USD.

This donation enables ongoing, life-saving support to Ukrainian IDPs and refugees in Ukraine, Poland and Romania, ensuring basic needs and access to essential services.

Thanks to the initial contribution from the American Red Cross in the amount of $5 Million USD, CORE teams immediately mobilized to provide vital aid to Ukrainian people in need. Working together with host countries, regional partners and local communities, CORE has supported more than 200,000 war-affected people across the region to date, including frontline areas in Ukraine.

During the ninth month of the ongoing war, the American Red Cross and CORE provided food and water to more than 46,000 people in need in Ukraine.

In service of refugees who had no choice but to flee, CORE supported 67 community-based shelters and transit centers through renovations, supply of household appliances, utility payments and food to establish safe spaces for people to stay in Ukraine, Poland and Romania.

Through this partnership, CORE provides assistance to the most vulnerable populations affected by the conflict while also ensuring that host communities are equipped to respond to the ever-changing influx of refugees. By providing dignified shelter solutions, facilitating the distribution of life-saving humanitarian aid and localizing their efforts, CORE and the American Red Cross are able to meet the evolving needs of those who’ve suffered most, at the hands of this crisis.

With this additional top-up contribution by the American Red Cross, CORE will continue to provide emergency assistance in Ukraine, shelter support in Poland, and livelihood opportunities in Romania.

Ann Lee, CEO and Co-Founder of CORE:

“The American Red Cross support CORE has received from the initial launch of our Ukraine relief operation has been foundational to what we have been able to build and provide across Ukraine, Poland, and Romania to challenge the horrific effects of this war. From food baskets on the frontlines to propping up shelter with host communities, we have worked tirelessly towards opportunities for hope and relief. This could not have been possible without our partnership with AMRC.”

Koby Langley, Red Cross Senior Vice President for International Services:

“The American Red Cross is proud to partner with CORE on this critical assistance. Together our work is making a difference in the lives of those who have been upended by this tragic conflict. From working with the displaced to supporting communities in impacted countries, our partnership is key to alleviating suffering and bringing relief to those who need it most.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

About CORE:

Founded by Sean Penn and Ann Lee, CORE (Community Organized Relief Effort) is a global crisis response organization that brings immediate aid and long-term recovery solutions to underserved communities. When a crisis strikes, CORE responds immediately to fill gaps, mobilize resources, and establish trust and collaboration from within communities. CORE has played a pivotal role in providing critical relief to marginalized and vulnerable populations since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine as it continues its mission of empowering communities in and beyond crisis around the world. More information: www.coreresponse.org and follow CORE on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.