Team members rallied quickly to the invitation to bolster AdventHealth’s support of the medical and humanitarian needs of the people in Ukraine. In the space of 48 hours, donations from team members exceeded $100,000 – and continue to pour in via payroll-deduction pledges and online. In addition, more than $38,000 was donated during that same time span to AdventHealth’s Global Missions’ ongoing relief effort.
AdventHealth’s diverse workforce of more than 80,000 includes many team members who are from Ukraine and Russia, and even more who have family connections in one or both countries.
In his recent LinkedIn post – viewed by more than 40,000 people – AdventHealth President and CEO Terry Shaw said, “Witnessing the tragedies unfolding can make thoughts and prayers feel inadequate in the face of immeasurable grief. However, our prayers are especially important, and it is our faith that gets us through the most trying of times.”
That sentiment is reflected over and over again on the company’s intranet site where team members posted comments such as, “So glad to be part of an organization that truly lives the mission! Thanks for making it easy for us to contribute in this small way. Keep us posted! Praying for Ukraine and all in harm’s way.”
Another commented, “Thank you for making it easy to donate and be reassured the money will go directly to those in need. Praying for the people of Ukraine and the rest of the world right now!”
The outpouring of concern and prayers for the safety and well-being of others a world away was underscored by expressions of gratitude to be working for an organization that takes to heart its mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ.
In a letter to employees, Shaw noted that 100 percent of team member donations would go quickly and directly to people in need. AdventHealth is partnering with Angelia Clinic in Kyiv, which is providing free medical care, and the Ukrainian Seventh-day Adventist Church, which is working to meet basic needs and provide supplies for the displaced taking shelter in a youth-church-camp-turned-refugee-camp in western Ukraine.
In addition to team members’ donations, “AdventHealth is making a significant contribution to support the important medical and humanitarian work of these two organizations,” Shaw said.
The Global Missions team is also working collaboratively with the Adventist Development & Relief Agency (ADRA) on the ground at Ukrainian border crossings in Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania and Moldova to provide refugees with critically needed supplies.
If you’d like to join AdventHealth’s relief efforts, visit AdventHealth.com/UkraineRelief.