Society

Atlantic Front with support for refugee expenses for three months

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At a time when some of the aid to those escaping the Russian invasion of Ukraine is waning, the municipalities of Porto, Vila Nova de Gaia and Matosinhos remain attentive to the needs of those who welcome these – and other- refugees. On Wednesday afternoon, they delivered the shopping cards given by the Sonae Group to the Seminário Redentorista Cristo Rei, in Vila Nova de Gaia, in a global support amounting to 24.600 euros.

The delivery of the “Dá Apoio” cards took place at the headquarters of the Seminário Redentorista Cristo Rei, a structure that has concentrated a large part of efforts to welcome and integrate Ukrainian refugees in the region, to which the “We are all Ukraine” campaign, which brings together the three municipalities on the Atlantic Front, joined forces in the first days after the Russian Invasion.

Marta Cunha, head of Communication and Brand at the Sonae group, said that this support is part of a more global action that includes the distribution of Kits upon arrival in Portugal, contributions to reception centres, employment promotion and incentives in education.

Representing Porto City Hall, councilwoman Catarina Araújo was present, driving the solidarity campaign that unites the Atlantic Front and which, among other actions, has already sent dozens of tons of goods to Ukraine. The councilwoman responsible for Social Action, Marina Mendes, represented the Vila Nova de Gaia City Hall, while the Municipality of Matosinhos was represented by Paulo Gonçalves, from the Risk management division, and Henrique Rodrigues from the Prevention Unit.

After a visit to see the facilities and the work developed by Congregação do Santíssimo Redentor with the Ukrainian community, which currently houses 65 people, guided by the lay missionary Inês Nabais, the group shared the desire to maintain dialogue to find new ideas for cooperation in helping refugees.

The councilwoman of Porto City Hall recalled that the Municipality continues the bridge the gap regarding job offers and actions to support the Ukrainian community. Seeking to contribute to a more complete integration, the Porto City Hall recently approved, the granting to all Ukrainian citizens who arrived to live in Porto, under the temporary protection regime, an Andante intermodal card to enjoy, free of charge, the city’s public transports network.