LOVE RUSSIA CHARITY

I’m sure you agree that ‘living within your means’ is a prudent rule to live by. It can be hard, but often there’s something we can find to cut back on. But, what if there isn’t? After all these years, hearing the actual figures of what those we support earn, is still shocking. Living within their means is not possible. This pie chart represents a single person on the minimum wage in Russia. The 11% represents £20.90 left over after rent for everything else - including food.

This year, as costs increase for people in many parts of the world, we are concerned especially for everyday Russians whose incomes are a fraction of the minimum wage in the UK. Incomes are so low and so disproportionate to what's needed to live there, many struggle to buy food even. So, this year, our Alternative Christmas Gifts are focused on meeting people’s most basic needs: things that their children need, support for the homeless, medical needs and of course, food. With

For those released from prison in Russia, there is little or no support. Where is a person supposed to go with no money, no one waiting for them, and nowhere to live? Emil found himself in this situation. A life of poverty and addiction had led to drug-related charges. Diagnoses of HIV and tuberculosis meant he'd struggle to work, even in the unlikely event someone would employ an ex-convict. His future looked bleak. On release, Emil headed to a railway station for shelter an