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Many of you asked me : "How can I help?" so here it is. For my birthday this year, I am asking you, my friends and colleagues to help me in supporting these five Ukrainian refugee families who I have been helping over the past few months and would like to continue doing so in 2022. After this tragic war came to Ukraine on February 24th , my extended family and childhood friends had to flee their homes and find refuge in other cities and countries throughout the world. Their lives have been interrupted and broken by these horrific events.
I would like to provide them with additional support this year and counting on your help. Here are the stories of the people close to me and I am fundraising for them:
- My 18 year old niece Inga who was the first year architecture student in Kharkiv. Her university and dorm were bombed. She found a temporary refuge in Lviv. She is scared but remaining hopeful for the future. She is dreaming about finding a home in Europe or US and becoming a college student again.
- My aunt Valentina and uncle Valerij who are both in their late seventies had to leave their home in Zaporizhya after spending days and nights in a bomb shelter. They took a refugee train first to Lviv, then to Poland and now they are staying in Slovenia. They need help with room and board.
- My cousin Timur and his family wife Yulia and two daughters ages 10 and 12- the family had to be broken up with the mother and two girls fleeing to Poland and then Spain while Timur had to remain in Poltava, Ukraine. He does not know when he will see his girls again. The girls will need ongoing help with their living expenses and education.
- My childhood friend Irina who is in her 60s has been a successful business lady in Kiev but lost it all due to the war and now found a temporary refuge in Chicago. She is hoping for a work permit so perhaps she can work as a housekeeper here in the US.
- My third cousin's family - grandmother and two boys 6 and 15 who escaped the war, flew to Mexico, crossed US border by foot and now in New York trying to get settled. The boys are going to school and need everything from school supplies to clothing. Her husband and son remained in Ukraine.
It breaks my heart to say that my list can go on. I am hoping to support these families in the upcoming year and grateful for any support that you might provide.
No amount is too little or too big! If you would like to dedicate our donation to a particular family listed above, please DM me. My goal is to match your donations.
Love you all and God Save Ukraine!!!