AS Roma launches relief efforts for Ukrainian children alongside UNHCR

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has put into place a programme of relief efforts to protect and help refugees in areas in and around the conflict, where over one million people have so far been forced to abandon their homes.

The club has delivered an initial donation of 2000 winter clothing items for newborns, desperately needed in the current circumstances, along with a further 1000 such items for younger children.

Furthermore, during Saturday’s Serie A match against Atalanta the club will wear a special patch on their shirts featuring the UNHCR logo and a heart in the colours of the Ukrainian flag – in order to raise awareness of the ongoing humanitarian crisis the victims of war are currently suffering.

All the shirts worn during the game at the Stadio Olimpico will subsequently be put up for auction, with all proceeds being donated to UNHCR in order to further support the action plan in place to help young Ukrainian refugees.

“During a period of immense concern around the world at the situation facing the civilian population in Ukraine, AS Roma wants to offer its support and assistance to the children who are being forced to suffer the consequences of war: the club is thinking of them at this time, while also taking concrete steps to help them by contributing to the work being done by the UNHCR,” said Pietro Berardi, the club’s CEO.

“For that reason I would also like to thank the organisation for once again giving us the opportunity to assist them in their important work.”

The club have already worn a patch in support of the UNHCR this season: during September’s league meeting with Sassuolo the first team wore shirts that were then auctioned off to support relief efforts for the Afghan population.

“Once again, we must thank AS Roma for continuing to help refugees who are fleeing violence and persecution,” said Chiara Cardoletti, the UNHCR representative for Italy, San Marino and the Holy See.

“Unfortunately, in little over a week, around 1.2 million people have been forced to leave Ukraine. Rarely in recent decades have we been asked to respond to such a rapid exodus of people. The vast majority of those people are women and children, who are always the most vulnerable in any humanitarian crisis.

“We are active in Ukraine and its neighbouring countries to deliver aid and assistance wherever it is necessary and possible - but the needs are huge and we need everyone’s help with our efforts.

“That’s why, in these difficult times, this latest commitment from AS Roma is more important than ever.”

The UNHCR has created a special landing page on its website, where Roma fans can send a donation to help the people of Ukraine.

The club has also activated a support network around the city of Rome, where fans of the club will be donate essentials and other items needed as part of the UNHCR efforts: including baby clothes, diapers, school supplies and toys.

The various collection points – among them churches, soccer schools, fan clubs and Roma stores – will be open and available to gratefully accept donations from Monday 7 March.

A full list of participating sites is available at the link below.