What we do
Life during a crisis takes a heavy physical toll on children and families. When winter arrives, they have to brace themselves for even harsher conditions than usual. For families living in tents, makeshift shelters or half-destroyed buildings without any heating source, the cold is constant and can be life-threatening.
Take our quiz to find out what kind of humanitarian aid is needed in winter - and what the International Rescue Committee is doing to meet those needs worldwide.
Take the quiz
Question 1
In Ukraine, temperatures can dip as low as -21.6 °C. The elderly are especially vulnerable during winter. How many people in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine are over the age of 60?
Over 30% of people in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine are over age 60.
In Ukraine, the IRC has provided direct cash support to over 127,000 people since 2022, helping them purchase essentials. In addition to cash, we deliver non-food and hygiene supplies, such as power banks, heaters, blankets, firewood, and construction materials – all vital during winter in a conflict zone.
Question 2
Afghanistan faces some of the harshest winters in Asia. What percentage of the population needs humanitarian aid this winter?
The correct answer is 50%. In Afghanistan, 22.9 million people are in need of humanitarian aid.
The IRC began work in Afghanistan in 1988, launching relief programs for people displaced by the invasion of the Soviet Union. We now work with thousands of villages and communities across twelve provinces.
The IRC provides a wide range of support, including health services, economic recovery and malnutrition treatment.
Question 3
What challenge is most dangerous for families in Gaza during the winter months?
These are all challenges for people in Gaza.
With over 90% of Gaza’s housing damaged or destroyed, many families in Gaza are at risk this winter. The IRC’s immediate priority now is to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those who need it most.
Question 4
Children are especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures. What percentage of displaced people globally are under 18?
Over 122 million people are forcibly displaced worldwide; 40% of those are children.
Children often bear the brunt of conflict. In 2024, the IRC admitted 580,600 children for malnutrition treatment, provided learning support to 1,141,256 children and youth and supported 126,913 children through IRC safe spaces and other protection programmes.
How to help
From Ukraine to Afghanistan and in countries all over the world, more people are displaced from their homes than ever before and are in need of emergency assistance this winter.
Give today to help support families through the cold winter months.
