Pavel and Olena Shulha have been credited with saving the lives of more than 25,000 people since the invasion of Ukraine began in late February. And now, these heroic helpers need our help.

But first, some background

Before the war, Pavel and Olena helped pair adoptive families with older children through their work with the international organization Kidsave. They are passionate about family and children, and have adopted eight children over the years.

When the missile strikes started—and it was clear that civilians and medical personnel were being targeted—this husband-and-wife team set to work doing what world governments and other organizations could not: getting orphans and others to safety. On the fourth day of the war, with a borrowed bus and fearless virtue, Pavel evacuated a Kherson orphanage. The city was overtaken the very next day.

Angels of Hope

Since then, with the help of a team of volunteer drivers caravanning through some of the country's most dangerous regions, they have rescued tens of thousands of orphans, families, and elderly. The people they delivered from Mariupol appropriately nicknamed them, “Angels of Hope.” I’m honored to be part of this team of drivers in Ukraine, to work with Pavel and Olena, and to call them my friends.

In bringing thousands of others to safety, the Shulhas have faced constant danger with little rest, all while caring for their own children. They have selflessly sacrificed and lost everything but each other.

These are the most heroic people I have ever known.

Help the helpers

I do not like asking things of other people, but this family deserves it and needs it. I will do whatever I can to support and protect them; this is why I’m reaching out to you today…

The Shulha’s extraordinary efforts have not gone unnoticed by hostile forces. In addition to the significant risks they take driving into battle zones, they are being actively targeted. We have reached an inflection point where it’s time for them to seek safety for themselves.

Efforts are underway to help the family of 12—Pavel, Olena, their nine children (ages 9 - 18 years), and their children’s grandmother—immigrate to the U.S. as quickly as possible. They will arrive in the States with very little.

I have started this GoFundMe account to help the Shulhas re-establish safety and security for their children. During their first six months here, they will need funds for:

After he gets the family settled, Pavel plans to continue supporting the rescue efforts in Ukraine.

Please help me help them by sharing this GoFundMe with friends and family and, if possible, by giving.

I will update you on the family’s status and needs in the coming weeks. Thank you for your care and support.

Most sincerely,

Christopher