United Ukraine, a registered 501(c)(3) charity in the United States, works with local community leaders on the ground to get them what they need, when they need it. This fundraiser is part of that mission: raising money to purchase purely defensive armor plating that will protect regular Ukrainians from shelling and attacks on their cities. We are seeking to raise enough money to purchase 400 of the highest quality armor plates available in Europe, in an effort to protect hundreds of civilians who can't help themselves.
United Ukraine is proudly partnering with Vlad Shast - a legend of the Kyiv queer underground scene - to distribute these armored plates on the ground. Vlad's whole personal and professional life is connected to his creative skills; he's a person who can make an entire high fashion outfit using nothing but his grandmother's tablecloth and a pair of scissors.
However, Vlad's life completely changed on February 24, 2022. Even though he had the opportunity to leave Ukraine, he chose to stay - employing his creative talents in service of his country and his people. He's had to learn as much as he can, as quickly as he can, because other people need him. Vlad stayed when others didn't because it was the right thing to do; and he's been working tirelessly to help people who are unable to help themselves.
Vlad's connections to creative professionals in Europe helped him raise more than $100,000 in the first two months of the war. He's now used those same connections to source and procure high-quality armor plating at an incredible per-piece price of only $125 per plate. Equivalent pieces in the United States are currently being sold for $160-170 at the low end. This means that we're able to obtain these plates at a more than 20% discount, and also deliver them more quickly to the places they are needed the most. The catch is that we need to buy them in bulk in order to get access to this favorable pricing. Which is why we are seeking to raise $50,000 to purchase a total of four-hundred (400) plates.
These raw materials will be processed inside Ukraine and distributed to the regions where fighting is currently most intense. We have already purchased a test batch, conducted field tests, and retained a metallurgist who certified that these plates are of the highest quality available in Europe. All we need now is actually raise the money. We're hoping that's where you come in. This is the most direct defensive support project of its kind, aiming to protect Ukrainians before they are ever injured in the first place.
Vlad stayed in Ukraine because he believes in his country. He's partnered with United Ukraine because he believes in you. As he put it: "Now I pray for the help of every person. In order to save the lives of those who stand not only for the freedom of Ukraine, but also for the freedom of the entire civilized world."
Please chip in for this important and unique project. Do it for Ukraine. Do it for Ukrainians. Do it because it's the right thing to do.
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