Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gives $4 million to help refugees in Europe

Salt Lake City, Utah — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave $4 million to help refugees in Europe.

The Church has given $2 million to the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and $2 million to the World Food Programme (WFP).

The donation from the Church will assist the WFP feed 11,000 people for four months.

“As the world watches the heartbreaking events in Ukraine unfold, I am still able to find moments of hope because dedicated organizations like Latter-day Saint Charities chose to step up and support refugees during their greatest time of need,” said Anne-Marie Grey, CEO of USA for UNHCR. “This emergency gift ensures that families fleeing the horrific violence in Ukraine will continue to receive the care and shelter they need after harrowing journeys. This gift is so much more than just a fleece blanket or warm place to sleep for a refugee family. It shows families fleeing that there is still a compassionate global community ready to help.”

According to Lacey Stone, UNHCR’s director of private sector engagement and partnerships in the United States, the donation is being used immediately for key assistance supplies such as blankets, solar lights, tents, and shelters.

“This is going to go to those in need on the ground in Ukraine and neighboring countries right away,” Stone said. “Latter-day Saint Charities has been providing relief and comfort to refugees for decades. And we just want to say how grateful and appreciative we are.”

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees have worked together, since 1991.

For the past eight years, the Church and WFP have teamed up to feed the hungry around the world.