The Order of Malta Relief Service in Romania (SAMR) is completing the #SupportForUkraine project at the Siret border crossing point (Suceava county). SAMR is one of the most important charities in Romania, headquartered in Cluj. The project aims to provide support to Ukrainian refugees entering the country at the Siret border crossing point. The support offered by the project involved psycho-emotional support and distribution of basic necessities (food and sanitary products). The project was carried out with the financial support of Active Citizens Fund Romania, a programme funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through EEA Grants 2014-2021, according to ClujToday.ro.
SAMR marks 20 months of constant presence at the Siret border crossing point. During this time, more than 100 tons of food and immediate necessities have reached Ukrainian refugees in transit at the border, 536 tons in Ukraine and almost 34,000 hours of social and psychological assistance have been provided by Maltese volunteers and specialists.
Siret is one of the customs posts where SAMR has mobilised its intervention teams since the early days of the conflict in Ukraine in February 2022. What appeared to be short-term aid turned into a permanent need for social services and immediate material help, so the organisation decided to open a permanent assistance point here.
From April to October, through the Active Citizens Fund Romania programme, Ukrainian refugees received psycho-emotional support, warm food, sanitary products and clothing. The Maltese team created a safe environment with special attention to mothers and children. The need for communication, overcoming the emotional stress created by the lack of prospects, the family situation at home (fathers, brothers, relatives on the frontline), as well as donations consisting of travel packs: food parcels, hygiene products and information brought hope to thousands of Ukrainian refugees. From April to October, through the Active Citizens Fund Romania programme, thousands of Ukrainian refugees were helped to overcome the emotional stress created by the war in Ukraine.
The contribution is made possible with the financial support of Active Citizens Fund Romania, a programme funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through EEA Grants 20142021.
Established in 1991, SAMR currently has 18 branches across the country running programmes for all vulnerable social groups, from people with disabilities, inclusion programmes, homeless programmes to special services for the elderly. The organisation’s team is complemented by over 1,000 Maltese volunteers who respond promptly to the needs of intervention and programme delivery. SAMR embodies the charitable mission undertaken almost a millennium ago by the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem, of Rhodes and of Malta, one of the noblest organizations to have been born in the bosom of the Catholic Church.
The Active Citizens Fund Romania programme is funded by EEA Grants 2014-2021. The overall objective of the grants is to reduce economic and social disparities and strengthen bilateral relations between the 15 beneficiary countries and the donor countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway). The programme is administered by the consortium composed of the Civil Society Development Foundation, the Partnership Foundation, the Resource Centre for Roma Communities, the PACT Foundation and Frivillighet Norge, which acts as the Fund Operator designated by the FMO – Office of the EEA and Norwegian Grants Financial Mechanism.
Active Citizens Fund Romania aims to strengthen civil society and active citizenship and increase the capacity of vulnerable groups. With a total allocation of €46,000,000, the programme aims to develop the long-term sustainability and capacity of the civil society sector and enhance its role in promoting democratic participation, active citizenship and human rights; while strengthening bilateral relations with the donor countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
For more information about the Active Citizens Fund in Romania, please visit www.activecitizensfund.ro. For more information on EEA and Norwegian grants, please visit www.eeagrants.ro.
