Support for the Ukrainian community
For years, KGHM has been committed to helping those in need, both through ongoing support and by taking decisive action in moments of unexpected crisis. In 2022, such action was required due to the unexpected Russian aggression in Ukraine.
KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. and the companies of the KGHM Group have demonstrated huge involvement in aid activities from the very beginning of the war. Having witnessed the atrocities against the Ukrainian population and the great wave of refugees seeking refuge in Poland, the Group companies decided to do everything to provide them with shelter and basic living conditions.
Aid very quickly reached those who had to stay in the war zones. KGHM Polska Miedź and KGHM ZANAM S.A. organised the transport of life-saving medical supplies to Ukrainian hospitals. Three lorries delivered several tonnes of medicines and medical supplies to besieged cities, worth as much as one million PLN.
Aware of how important safe shelter is for every refugee, the KGHM Group provided buildings and accommodation for those forced by war to leave their homes. More than 300 refugees were placed in temporary accommodation centres in Lower Silesia, Lubuskie and Podlaskie. 150 refugees were also accommodated in spa resorts owned by a KGHM Group company. Also noteworthy is the fact that many KGHM Polska Miedź employees offered shelter to refugees gratuitously, in their own homes. In addition, more than 750 beds/mattresses with sets of duvets and bedding were donated to the accommodation points existing in 25 local governments.
In response to the needs of refugees from Ukraine, the „We Together” Assistance Centre was launched in Lubin, whose tasks included assistance in finding accommodation, support in translation and legal and medical issues, and coordinating contacts with local governments, Caritas and other NGOs in the region. At subsequent stages of its assistance activities, KGHM Polska Miedź S.A. also supported the Polish language courses and the promotion of vaccination campaigns against communicable diseases among Ukrainian refugees.
All KGHM Group companies have become involved in providing support to refugees from Ukraine or organising assistance to residents in Ukraine. The above-mentioned activities represent only a small part of the assistance initiatives undertaken by the companies.
In March 2022, The KGHM INTERNATIONAL LTD. Corporate Office Sponsorship Committee („the Committee”) decided to support the Ukraine Relief Fund program promoted by UNICEF. The action consisted of the company doubling the amounts donated by employees. Upon receipt of the amount collected, UNICEF also doubled it. In this way, KGHM INTERNATIONAL LTD.’s action generated the total amount of CAD 94,924.76, which was donated by UNICEF to cover the urgent needs of refugees.