This fundraiser aims to support my mom, who is heavily affected by the war and who remains in Kyiv and faces electricity shortages, lack of heating and emergency water shut-offs while seeking shelter from bombings by the russian government of critical infrastructure objects and civilian buildings. The winter is projected to be very hard, and many preparations are necessary to ensure she can make it through the season with freezing temperatures. At the same time, the cost of living has risen significantly. While she has worked for over 30+ years as an aviation professional and deserves a quiet and restful retirement, she is currently barely making ends meet. My mom remains very tied to Kyiv, where she has lived for the last 40 years, the place she knows and cherishes for all the memories and connections she has made. She refuses to leave, which is quite understandable: how can a single retired person move abroad and face a language barrier, having no friends and connections? Many Ukrainians like my mom are hesitant to leave their home; it's where they feel like they belong.

While I am supporting her as much as possible, I cannot fully provide for her while managing my own expenses. Your donation will cover the costs of warm clothes, rising heating bills, the purchase of long-shelved food and medication, and emergency expenses, should the situation become such that my mom needs to be evacuated immediately. I appreciate your kindness. The outpouring of help and support from all over the world for the Ukrainian people has been incredible, and that's what keeps us stronger than ever facing this horrific war. I think helping on an individual level is also important, if this is at all possible. Thank you.