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Date Published: 09/05/2022

ARCHIVED - Red Cross Torrevieja expands its services to meet increased needs of Ukrainian refugees

ARCHIVED ARTICLE

The non-profit organisation in the Vega Baja town, Alicante province, has helped more than 700 Ukrainian refugees

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Red Cross Torrevieja expands its services to meet increased needs of Ukrainian refugees

Torrevieja has welcomed more fleeing Ukrainian refugees since Russia invaded their home country on February 24 than any other town in Alicante province, and as the conflict continues, their needs have changed, prompting the Red Cross (Cruz Roja in Spain) to increase the services it provides.

Since the beginning of March, the non-profit organisation has helped 300 families in Torrevieja, around 700 people in total. Initially, Red Cross volunteers assisted refugees with temporary protection procedures and general information on health cards, schooling of children and accommodation.

But as time has passed, their needs have changed and the families who have remained need help to cover basic needs.

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"We are trying to serve all people and we continue to do so, serving all families and people who are in vulnerable situations here in Torrevieja," explained Lara Garcia, the local technical director of Red Cross Torrevieja.

"We have had to increase certain services in the face of increased demand, for example, the reception service has been reinforced with translator volunteers because this is the gateway to the Red Cross to make that first call for assistance. We have also increased the number of Spanish classes we are offering, we have gone from having three courses to seven in order to facilitate the people who have just arrived to have a basic knowledge of the language and can articulate themselves in a more autonomous way."

Of course, this is only possible with the support of volunteers and, luckily, there has been no shortage of people willing to give up their time to help others in need.

"We have had the cooperation of volunteers who were involved with other projects and are now participating in other activities to meet the needs of all the people who came to Torrevieja from Ukraine. We have also relied heavily on the participation of new volunteers who have volunteered as a result of the situation. Right now we have a group of four volunteer translators who make it easier to offer the services in the most appropriate way," added Garcia.

Also read: Bogus police officer robs 1,000 euros from Ukrainian refugee in Alicante

Image: Cruz Roja Torrevieja

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