Help us help Ukrainian Refugees

As some of you may be aware, Sebastian and I are currently assisting Ukrainian refugees fleeing their homes and country during this conflict.

I’ve had numerous messages from generous friends and family abroad asking how they too can help. We’ve been able to provide clothes, toiletries and food through donations, and things I’ve personally purchased myself. Some have also required medical attention, although health care is free we’ve covered the cost of prescriptions.

With accommodations, clothing and food for their arrival taken care of, I’ve decided to set this up for those eager to help us continue.

I’ll explain what Sebastian and I have done so far and how you can help. In cooperation with his company Docupace, the day the invasion started Sebastian booked several rooms at a nearby hotel. Funded by the company, the rooms were initially for its Ukrainian developers and their families, but since then we’ve extended it to others in need as well.

So far over 20 people have found refuge at the hotel. While some only require a place to stay as they arrange permanent housing or as a stop before heading off to another city or country, others have arrived with nothing and no one around for any type of support.

Two such cases are a mother and her 11-year-old son, and 2 young ladies who are friends that fled together. The pairs come from different cities but had the same journey as over a million others. This includes traveling for days, sleeping on train station floors, waiting at the border for hours or days in order to get to safety, with nothing but the clothes on their backs. Leaving behind their husbands, friends, family, homes, and livelihoods.

I introduced the women to each other while running errands for them and they quickly become friends. Sebastian and I have offered to let them share an apartment we have, rent-free for 6 months. And we’re lowering the rent to make it affordable for them after the 6 months. With the worry of finding a home off their shoulders, they were able to focus on finding jobs. Fortunately, this week all three have found work. Two of them (formerly accountants in Ukraine) found employment at the restaurant of the hotel they’re staying in. Although not their profession, their biggest concern is to quickly find employment so they can financially support themselves. The other lady recently finished hair-dressing school and found work at a hair salon. The women are extremely grateful for everything, and they move into the apartment next week.

We all heard and saw how difficult it was to get money out of ATMs once this started, and what little cash they had on hand is basically worthless, understandably no one wants to buy Ukrainian currency right now. They’re starting from scratch. This is where you can help.

- The 11-year-old boy started school this week. I’ve bought him all he needs to start off, but he’ll need some more clothes and supplies. Although clothes are available here, finding the right size or items in good condition has been difficult. I’ve ended up purchasing most of it. Friends have offered to ship clothes but considering the cost of shipping from North America and the time it would take, I’ve advised against it.

- The apartment is furnished, but the kitchen doesn’t have cutlery, dishes, pots/pans. It would be great if we could supply that.

- Sheets and bedding

- Gift cards for groceries - food is also available, but obviously it’s mostly non-perishable. So far I’ve been supplementing the fresh produce myself.

Funds beyond these items will be used to provide for others in need.

After witnessing how difficult it has been for these women to ask for and accept help, and with respect for their privacy and sense of dignity, I decided not to use their names or ask them to pose for a picture. Instead, here’s one of a heartfelt goodbye between Maya and a young refugee girl she befriended after spending 4 days together near the Slovakian border. They didn’t speak each other’s language but quickly became good friends.

I truly appreciate any support and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Ameena Skwarek (Pinky)