As the war in Ukraine continues, the need for coordinated humanitarian aid is more critical than ever. While the surge in donations is heartening, ensuring that support is well-managed, impactful, and directed to the right places remains a pressing challenge. It’s not just about donating money and supplies; skilled volunteers and effective aid management are essential to making a real difference.
For many Ukrainians, daily survival is the top priority, leaving little time or energy to organize large-scale relief efforts. This is where organizations like Swiss Help Ukraine step in to bridge the gap.
Swiss Help Ukraine: A Mission to Deliver Effective Aid
Swiss Help Ukraine, a newly established non-profit organization (NPO), was co-founded by Karyna Gaidarzhy, a Ukrainian-born supply chain specialist, and Celso Cattaneo. With the dire situation in Eastern Europe, their mission quickly garnered corporate sponsorships. However, as a small, volunteer-run organization, they faced the daunting task of optimizing their resources and time to maximize their impact.
Their first step was to create a structured framework to streamline operations, particularly in communication with corporate partners. Recognizing the complexity of this task, Swiss Help Ukraine sought external assistance to develop a system that could support their critical mission.
Migros Bank Steps In: The Volunteer Hackathon
With the help of Copalana, Swiss Help Ukraine connected with Migros Bank, which has a unique program called Volunteer Days. This initiative allows Migros Bank employees to take time off work to assist designated NPOs. Together, they organized a hackathon—a full-day brainstorming and rapid prototyping session—to tackle Swiss Help Ukraine's operational challenges.
The event was a resounding success. As Celso explained, the team approached the hackathon with an open mind, allowing volunteers to contribute their unique strengths. This collaborative environment led to innovative solutions that exceeded expectations.
Key Results from the Hackathon
The hackathon included eight Migros Bank employees, led by Patrick Wolf, Head of Human Resources. The experience proved rewarding for all involved, offering participants the chance to develop social skills and contribute meaningfully to a global cause.
Some of the key achievements of the hackathon include:
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Boosting Online Presence:
A LinkedIn page was created to improve communication with corporate donors. The first post reached over 10,000 people, significantly expanding Swiss Help Ukraine’s network and visibility.
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Organizing Relief Supplies:
A dedicated group tackled the logistics of relief supply organization. This effort resulted in the acquisition of new rescue materials from fire brigades, which are now en route to Ukraine.
The Power of Skills-Based Volunteering
The hackathon demonstrated the immense value of corporate partnerships in humanitarian work. Skills-based volunteering offers NPOs like Swiss Help Ukraine access to diverse expertise, enabling them to address complex challenges effectively. For Migros Bank employees, it provided a unique opportunity to develop professionally while making a tangible impact.
Patrick Wolf summed it up best: “It is totally impressive how Karina and Celso – and ultimately all of us – together with them can help the people in Ukraine.”
Replicating the Model for Greater Impact
One of the most promising aspects of this initiative is its replicability. By organizing more hackathons with different volunteer groups, NPOs can continuously tap into a variety of skill sets to solve diverse problems. This model of collaboration between the corporate and non-profit sectors holds incredible potential for driving change on a global scale.
Final Thoughts
Copalana is proud to have facilitated this partnership between Swiss Help Ukraine and Migros Bank. We extend our deepest gratitude to Migros Bank employees for their time, dedication, and expertise. We also commend Swiss Help Ukraine for their tireless efforts in supporting those affected by the war in Ukraine.
By working together, we can create impactful solutions and bring hope to those who need it most.
