Update 25.03.22

We are so grateful for the generous donations from flying pigs, families and friends in support of refugees from Ukraine being hosted in Tintareni, Moldova.

The Flying Pig team will be unable to travel to Moldova in July 2022 but can continue to have a positive impact by raising much needed funds. We have therefore increased our target and are asking for your help to reach this by donating and sharing the link as widely as possible.

Reports from in Tintareni are that the numbers of refugees is increasing and the demand on resources challenging. As well as food, accommodation, medicine and transport children are being provided with educational opportunities and play activities.

“During the last 15 days, we have felt the tragedy of Ukrainians as our own. Over 90 refugees found transportation, food, and shelter at our centre, half of them are children. Some of them are in transit to an unknown destination, the others want to stay in Moldova” (Bethania Christian Relief Association)

Bedding and other supplies are also being distributed to remote villages on the Moldova/Ukraine border who have no access to international support but are providing for refugees.

Our story

Help us send financial support to families in Tintareni, Moldova who are providing a lifeline to refugees from Ukraine. Willink School in Burghfield Common and Ion Creanga School in Tintareni have worked in partnership since 2004 supporting local causes, in particular the provision of play activities and educational opportunities for children living in the village. The experience has been life-changing for those involved and the relationship has evolved beyond partnership to one of genuine friendship.

Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Europe, has a population of 3.5 million and few resources. There are approximately 330,000 refugees in the country and the number is increasing. This is equivalent to the UK having over 6 million refugees to provide for which would be a challenge even for a country amongst the richest in Europe.

Tintareni is located on the main road from Odesa and is a natural place for refugees to seek sanctuary. Around 100 refugees are being hosted at Bethania and in private homes; families are stretched to breaking point. We know that they will willingly share everything they have but they need our help.

We are reaching out to all former ‘Flying Pigs’, friends, and families to ask for donations. All money raised will be sent directly to Ion Creanga School and the Christian Relief Association at Bethania. It will be distributed to families hosting refugees and used for provisions, bedding, medicines, and transport for refugees either staying or passing through the village on their way to the border.

Many of us have wanted to help but have struggled to know what to do; this appeal will enable us to support refugees from Ukraine and provide much-needed assistance to our ‘second families’ in Tintareni.