2022: Twelve Emergency Humanitarian Programs for Ukrainian refugees,
over $600,000
In February 2022, the Russo-Ukrainian war created a humanitarian crisis with tens of thousands of refugees pouring into Romania and Moldova. Precisely because Blue Heron had infrastructure in place, we sprang into action and very quickly developed 12 separate humanitarian programs varying in scope and complexity.
A US – Moldovan – Romanian collaboration to treat Ukrainian oncology patients currently in Moldova. We provide assessment via tumor boards, transportation, accommodations, cancer treatments and counseling at oncology clinics in Romania.
Medicine/ medical equipment sourced in Romania, at cost, and transported to hard-hit hospitals in Ukraine. To date we have shipped over $ 70,000 worth of medicine and medical supplies. Thank you Elena!
In collaboration with Hospices of Hope/ Romania, Blue Heron purchased an ambulance for the Regional Clinical Palliative Care Center/Ukraine. Thank you Irena and Graham!
Two Medical Modules (purchased with grant funds from Project HOPE and in collaboration with Volunteer for Life) were installed at the Siret Border where Doctors of the World/ Greek Delegation are tending to refugees. Thank you Project HOPE & Volunteer for Life and Doctors of the World/Greek Delegation.
Blue Heron bought 2 Heated Modules for the refugee camp/ Siret, so refugees can spend the night at the border.
Blue Heron supporter and Fig Cooking School owner Heide Lang has been very instrumental in helping 29 children who fled their Ukrainian orphanage three months ago and are now relocated in Codlea.
In collaboration with AIDROM, Blue Heron hired additional translators, social workers, attorneys and intercultural coordinators in Bucharest and at 4 border points.
Blue Heron provided coffee/tea/water to the LUKOIL Refugee Center/Chisinau for the past seven weeks at a cost of $1000/week.
Blue Heron will supply sandwiches and fruit to 78 refugees, (mostly children, mostly Roma from Azerbaijan) at the Refugee Center, Chisinau.
Blue Heron installed new washing machines and refrigerators at the Refugee Center, Piatra Neamt.
Blue Heron volunteers at the border provide transportation, sandwiches, phone cards, essentials to refugees as needed. Thank you Sergiu!
Blue Heron collaborated with the ”Sisters of Providence,” / Catholic nuns, to provide giving food to refugees waiting in miles-long queues at the border at a cost of $1000/week.
2008: Every Child Program
Partnered with Hospice Casa Sperantei Brasov
Awarded a grant of $100,000 for a collaborative project totaling $236,000
Reached and treated 286 children with HIV and chronic illnesses in state-run institutions
Provided training for 250 medical staff in palliative care
Educated 1,900 children about HIV prevention
Established a replicable model of palliative care
Co-authored a model further developed by the Romanian Ministry of Health, leading to a National Plan for Palliative Care
Improved government understanding of the needs of chronically ill individuals, facilitating resource allocation for palliative care.
2004: The Rupea Playground
Built a state-of-the-art sports court and playground at Rupea placement center in Brasov county.
Benefited 75 children aged 4 to 18.
The project cost $32,000 and was inaugurated in October 2004 during a visit by BH President Stefania Magidson and Fundraising VP Mike Costache.
2003: The Loving Arms Programs
Employed eight full-time qualified caregivers at the “Micul Print” orphanage in Brasov.
Supported 200 children under 3 years old who previously had only one caregiver for every ten children.
Sent over 500 kilograms of new toys and clothing from Los Angeles to various placement centers in the Brasov region.
The program’s cost was $18,360 and ran from January 2004 to June 2005, coinciding with the Romanian government’s efforts, with EU assistance, to relocate abandoned children under 3 to more suitable environments with better child-caregiver ratios.
