LifesaverAid and Techfugees
In March 2022, as the invasion of Ukraine forced millions of people to flee their homes, smartphones became essential tools for safety, communication, and navigation. Families relied on messaging apps to stay in touch, digital maps to plan routes, and social platforms to share updates in real time. In crowded train stations across Ukraine and neighbouring countries, people searched for ways to keep devices powered, with extension leads stretching across floors as displaced families planned their next steps.
In situations like this, a phone is more than a screen. It can hold identity documents, travel details, accommodation contacts, emergency numbers, and access to news. When batteries run low, stress rises quickly. Losing charge at the wrong moment can mean missed connections, lost contact with family, or difficulty reaching support.
Recognising how critical battery power had become, Lifesaver partnered with Techfugees to launch LifesaverAid.org. The goal was simple. Deliver fully charged power banks directly to refugees and internally displaced people, so they could use them immediately without needing access to electricity.
Why pre charged power matters
Many power banks require time and stable access to power before they can help. During displacement, that access is not guaranteed. Pre charged units remove that barrier. They can be handed out and used right away, helping people send messages, check routes, confirm transport, and stay connected during long journeys.
Pre charged power banks can be especially useful at border crossings and transit hubs, where demand is high and plug sockets are limited. In these settings, immediate power can support both practical needs, like coordination and navigation, and emotional needs, like contacting loved ones.
Immediate support where it mattered most
The LifesaverAid.org initiative was described as a joint effort between Lifesaver and Techfugees, a tech industry nonprofit focused on supporting displaced communities. From March 5, Lifesaver sent over 2,000 fully charged power banks directly to Poland and key Ukrainian cities, including Lviv.
Each unit included built in cables, helping people charge different devices without needing extra accessories. This also made distribution easier for volunteers working in fast moving environments where people may not have spare cables available.
How donations worked
Through the LifesaverAid.org donation page, every £7 plus VAT donated funded one Lifesaver power bank to be sent directly to a Ukrainian refugee. Lifesaver also said it would match the sale and rental of every power bank at selected events, including The O2 and Cheltenham Festival, to help continue donations at cost.
Techfugees supported the delivery through its network of volunteers and partner organisations. Founded during the Syrian refugee crisis in 2015, Techfugees supports the deployment of responsible technology products and services for displaced people, and connects tech volunteers with refugee focused organisations.
Staying connected during crisis
For people forced to move quickly, staying connected can help with safety, coordination, and access to support. Phones can help people share location details, confirm travel plans, translate information, and keep in touch with friends and family across borders. During uncertain journeys, even small improvements to communication can reduce risk.
LifesaverAid was built around a practical idea. If people can keep their phones alive, they can make better decisions, stay in contact, and reach help when they need it. By focusing on immediate usability and working with an experienced partner network, the initiative aimed to deliver support quickly in the places where it was most needed.
