Amazon helps store and distribute supplies to help Ukrainian refugees in European countries. (Amazon photo)
Amazon is converting warehouse space in Slovakia, previously used to fulfill customer orders, into a massive humanitarian aid hub to provide much-needed supplies for refugees fleeing the war in neighboring Ukraine, the company announced Tuesday.
Amazon says teams from around the world came together to convert 5,000 square feet of space in 10 days and it’s the largest hub Amazon has ever built. Amazon will leverage its global logistics expertise to get things like shelter materials, hygiene items, blankets and clothing to frontline organizations quickly and efficiently.
A network of fulfillment centers across Europe is ready to deliver more than 4 million items donated by both Amazon and its customers, with the company filling in which supplies to donate directly based on charitable needs. Customers in Europe can donate to support the effort through special wish lists in Amazon’s European stores.
(Amazon photo)
Amazon’s Transportation Services team ships items to the new hub in Slovakia, and from there supplies are distributed to displaced refugees in partnership with charities including Save The Children and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The hub’s location will accelerate the movement of relief supplies across Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Moldova and the Czech Republic to help Ukrainian families in need.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates that 10 million people have fled the Russian invasion of Ukraine, 3.5 million of them in neighboring countries and 6.5 million displaced in Ukraine.
Amazon previously announced it would contribute $5 million to groups such as UNICEF, UNHCR, World Food Program, Red Cross, Polska Akcja Humanitarna and Save the Children, and would match up to $5 million more in employee contributions.
Amazon has a dedicated page for soliciting humanitarian aid donations through the Red Cross and Save the Children.
This post Amazon opens supply hub for Ukrainian refugees, largest humanitarian aid facility ever
was original published at “https://www.geekwire.com/2022/amazon-opens-supply-hub-for-ukrainian-refugees-its-largest-humanitarian-aid-facility-ever/”
