SAN DIEGO — San Diego Catholics have responded generously to the needs of Ukrainian refugees.
The faithful of the diocese have contributed $660,000 so far to assist with the humanitarian crisis that followed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in late February.
The diocese held a collection earlier this year at parishes and split the proceeds evenly between the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Church in Central and Eastern Europe collection and Catholic Relief Services.
A total of $202,000 was sent to each cause shortly after the collection and $88,000 was sent to each later when more parishes sent in their proceeds.
Separate from that, donors gave $18,000 directly to CRS through the diocesan website link. That adds up to $598,000.
In recent days, more parishes have sent in their proceeds, a total of $62,000, which will be split between the Church in Central and Eastern Europe collection and CRS.
The latter organization continues to seek donations to help the estimated 8 million Ukrainians who fled to neighboring countries to escape the war. They need shelter, food and other basics. Meanwhile, inside the country, supplies of food and other necessities are running scarce.
On June 5, Pope Francis appealed to world leaders to start “real negotiations” to end the war in Ukraine. “I renew my appeal to the leaders of nations: Please do not bring humanity to ruin!”
