“Of course we see certain fluctuations in the flow of donations, but basically I would say it is very gratifying to see how helpful and supportive the Austrian people are,” says Lisa Taschler. Rottenmannerin will work as program coordinator for ÖRK in Kyiv until early 2023. “I hope, especially now that winter is coming, that the flow of donations will increase again.” Among other things, Taschler is responsible for distributing the donations raised through the ORF “Neighbors Neighbors” campaign.
Working in the air raid shelter
Five to ten people are mobilized in Ukraine for the WCC. Donations are distributed along with helpers from other countries. “Ideally – that is, on a calm day with no air raid alarms – I am in the office. In October there were also several attacks in central Kyiv, where pressure waves from the impacts also shattered office windows. That means you need to take aerial warnings very seriously and go to a safe space.”
“If explosions can be heard, we have to go to an air raid shelter. We have equipped our air raid shelter in the office and in our residential buildings so that we can also work there. There are some chairs, tables, blankets and also power bank and batteries. But of course that it’s not easy to keep working under these circumstances,” says Taschler. Internet connection is often poor – communication is mostly over the phone. In a conversation with ORF, the connection was broken once – “this is quite normal,” says Taschler.
“We’re not just in our air-raid shelter at the office, but also in public places – and that’s where you talk to people. For example, you sit in a subway station, you sit with people, you see solidarity. Blankets and water are shared there, and some people come with their pets. This is really a place where you also realize how tiring it is for the population in the long run when you have to go to the bomb shelter every day. And many have noticed the conflict even closer – were injured or lost friends or family,” says Lisa Taschler.
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War in Ukraine: What Else Is Imminent?
Always prepared for emergencies
Every time the siren sounds and the air raid alarm goes off, people’s trauma can be felt. Taschler herself has been working for the Red Cross for ten years and has also been deployed in Syria. Styria says they are prepared for such situations in advance and, if necessary, there is also psychological support. Inside a backpack is a pack that can be used to survive for a few hours or days.
Kyiv still alive despite attacks
“Of course, like everyone else, we are worried about winter. You can tell the nights are already cold and it’s getting colder. We also assume that there will be more power outages. There are emergency shelters for displaced people, and we provide them with the essentials. We also supply ovens, generators, refrigerators and blankets,” says Taschler.
Styria describes daily life in Kyiv as follows: “The city is incredibly lively. Only on days when there is heavy shelling is there less activity, of course. Also due to power outages and power cuts, fewer people are often outside. And there is a curfew at night.”