Support Caucasus Families during COVID Crisis

The coronavirus pandemic has wreaked havoc on people's livelihoods worldwide.  Specifically, we want to draw your attention to those who work in the tourism industry in the North Caucasus Mountains of Russia.  The North Caucasus is a beautiful region in Southern Russia, and the travel industry is a growing source of jobs and income for many here.  Due to travel being halted around the world, many people in the North Caucasus (who rely on the spring & summer high season of tourism in April-September) will be without income for the foreseeable future (including their businesses possibly closing).  This includes tour guides, drivers, hotel employees, translators, tour company administrators and secretaries, entrepreneurs, accountants, seasonal workers, restaurant employees, and the list goes on.  

Will you help us provide support to these individuals and families in this time of need?  100% of funds will be distributed to local families, in partnership with trusted friends in the region, including through tour companies, charitable funds, language centers, etc. (i.e. they will help us identify recipients, as well as with distribution).   As Russian borders are closed through May 1, we'd like to keep this campaign running through May 6, with funds to be distributed early summer.  Thank you in advance for your generosity in this time of need.

My name is Michael and I live in South Carolina, and I'm facilitating this campaign for my older brother Andrew.   Andrew is an American who lives in the North Caucasus region.  He co-hosts a podcast about culture & history in the region called CaucasTalk  and directs a tour company called Beyond Red Square .