A few days ago, I followed a trend and donated via Airbnb to help individuals in Kyiv, Ukraine. I picked a verified Airbnb host named Yevhen, who hosted off-roading tours. I booked his tour for two days, paid USD 116.53, and left him a message telling him that this was my donation to him and asking him to stay safe.

 

One message after another, I learned that Yevhen is not just an off-roading enthusiast who lives in Kyiv. He is also a civilian, desperate to help others in his community, but does not have enough resources. He hasn't fled because Kyiv is his home, because many of his neighbors are still there, and because he wants to do all he can to help people in his community stay safe.

 

With the $116.53 that I sent him, he bought a bagful of over-the-counter medicine and brought it to his local hospital. He also got a cart full of groceries and distributed them to 11 elderly members in his community.

 

We want to do more. With $5000, Yevhen can help transport 50 people at a time from Kyiv to the western part of Ukraine or the EU. He will use $4000 to purchase a bus and $1000 to buy gas and food, both of which are scarce resources due to the destruction of Kyvi's infrastructure.

 

You might wonder why people in Kyiv can't take the bus or train for a small fraction of the cost. Public transportation is an option, but hundreds of thousands of people are trying to do the same. Every 50 people Yevhen helps transport, 50 more people can go to a safer place.

 

You might also wonder why not just donate to organizations with ongoing systems and processes in place. Many organizations are working tirelessly to help. But they have yet to help Yevhen's community. We are the only ones who can help at this moment!

 

Please donate now if you can. Every minute is critical in the current situation.

 

Here's a few words from Yevhen.

"I am working in tourism area and online shopping in Kyiv, Ukraine. In this terrible time, I am in Kyiv and try to help civilians and the army. I am looking for high-priority demands and ask to donate for these purposes. Please help us for transportation women and children from Kyiv to the western part of Ukraine or EU."

 

Many thanks from the bottom of my heart,

Josephine

 

P.S.

These are photos of the items that Yevhen purchased and distributed.