I am fundraising for my friend Ilia, who is a gay Russian refugee in Switzerland, and who needs a hearing aid. Due to his current refugee status, he is not eligible for medical coverage under the Swiss system.

Ilia fled Russia four years ago with his now-husband, Dima, and they have been waiting for their documents to be processed by Swiss authorities since then. Before leaving Russia, Ilia was brutally attacked for being gay and he has sustained serious injuries, including hearing loss in one ear. He applied for compensation through the Swiss social insurance (SVA) but was denied because the injury occurred outside Switzerland.

As asylum seekers, Ilia and Dima are not allowed to work and must rely on a small monthly allowance, which does not go very far in Switzerland, let alone cover the cost of a hearing aid. They are also unable to leave Switzerland without risking deportation back to Russia, where they face real danger.

This fundraiser aims to raise the necessary funds for Ilia to access the medical care he needs. Any contribution, no matter the amount, will go directly toward his hearing aid.

I can personally vouch for the authenticity of this appeal. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out.

Thank you for your support!