The Ukrainian Red Cross Implements Large-Scale Community Support Programme ‘Winterization 2024–2025’: Over 1,000 Families Given the Opportunity to Rebuild Their Livelihoods
Throughout 2024–2025, the Ukrainian Red Cross, with the support of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, implemented a large-scale programme to support Ukrainian households in restoring their livelihoods and preparing for winter — Winterization 2024–2025. The programme provided meaningful and timely assistance to vulnerable households across several regions of Ukraine, helping hundreds of families regain stability in the extremely challenging conditions of wartime.
In total, over 1,300 households received support across four regions of Ukraine: Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, Kharkiv, and Kherson. Beneficiaries included internally displaced persons, large families, single parents, people with disabilities, elderly people, demobilised individuals, and other vulnerable groups.
Key Outcomes:
- 730 households received productive cash grants of 55,901 UAH each to help develop or restore small-scale farming. These funds supported the expansion of greenhouses, orchards, beekeeping operations, mechanised tools, and livestock farming.
- 325 households received targeted support of 18,634 UAH each to insulate livestock shelters, ensuring that both livestock and poultry were properly protected during the winter months.
- 120 households received veterinary support, including grants of approximately 5,000 UAH for animal care, along with consultations and services from veterinary professionals, such as check-ups, vaccinations, and treatments.
- 130 households received insulation and lighting kits to prepare their greenhouses for winter. This allowed families to extend their growing season and earn additional income.
This programme demonstrated how comprehensive, practical support can help people not only survive a crisis but also rebuild sustainable livelihoods. Many families were able to maintain food self-sufficiency, preserve their smallholdings, and reduce their reliance on humanitarian aid.
Although this major phase of the programme has now concluded, the Ukrainian Red Cross continues its work. In 2025, the organisation plans to support over 3,000 additional households across various regions of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian Red Cross remains committed to strengthening community resilience — so that more people have the chance to recover and live with dignity, even in the most difficult times.
