Our hearts are broken by the terrible war in Ukraine. Mars is committed to supporting the people and pets that have been impacted with a commitment of $12 million in cash and in-kind donations.
On March 1, we committed $2 million, including $1.5 million to Save the Children International to provide for the basic needs of children and their families in Ukraine seeking refuge in border countries and $500,000 to Humane Society International to give assistance to pets and pet owners.
We've increased that by another $10 million pledge in cash and in-kind donations. We've identified a variety of organizations on the ground and equipped to support the immediate and longer-term needs of Ukrainians and their pets – including those that have fled to neighboring countries and those that have stayed behind:
- Global Red Cross Network - Mars, Incorporated will donate to the American Red Cross to support the Global Red Cross Network’s response to the Ukraine humanitarian crisis. Red Cross teams are working tirelessly in the region providing emergency aid, including food, water, shelter and medicine, to those impacted by this devastating conflict.
- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the UN’s lead organization in refugee support. Their work focuses on saving lives, protecting rights, and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people.
- World Central Kitchen is expanding their #ChefsForUkraine response to support restaurants providing meals to people in cities across Ukraine, many of which are under active attack. They are also working with local chefs and volunteers to serve hot, nourishing meals to refugees along Ukraine's borders and in Poland, Romania, Moldova, and Hungary.
- UN Women is dedicated to gender equality. The United Nations organization helps uphold women’s human rights and supports policies and programs so every woman and girl can live up to her full potential. The war in Ukraine has taken an overwhelming toll on women with the vast majority of refugees being women and children.
- Save the Children is a global leader in child health, education, and protection. Its Children's Emergency Fund can help provide children and families at risk in Ukraine and around the world with immediate aid, such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support, and cash assistance.
- Humane Society International (HSI) is delivering food and essential pet items, developing an EU veterinary voucher program to allow refugees with pets access to free or low-cost medical care, and providing critical resources to Ukrainian shelters now and for future rebuilds. Learn more about how HSI is supporting the effort.
- Veterinarians Without Borders is bringing in volunteer veterinarians to assess ongoing border needs, supporting veterinary services, equipment, and supplies to animal welfare partners in Ukraine. One of our German AniCura hospitals has donated essential equipment and supplies needed by their local Ukrainian partner who is supporting animals trapped in Ukraine at this time.
- International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) is supporting Ukrainian companion animal shelters, as well as wildlife sanctuaries and zoos with emergency funding, food, supplies and veterinary care, and is working with Polish veterinary authorities to address the needs of refugees and their pets as they flee the war.
Additionally, Mars Associates have set up a fund to support their Ukrainian colleagues and friends with direct Associate to Associate donations, and Mars will match every dollar given up to $1 million.
Our hearts are with the people of Ukraine and all those working so hard to support them and provide comfort and safety. As the needs continue to unfold, we will continue to assess how we can aid those impacted by these terrible events. See our latest statement about our response to the events in Ukraine.
