Holiday Fundraiser to support Ukrainian Children

Laurel G is organising this fundraiser.

Donation protected

My name is Laurel Rinaldi and I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Ukraine from 2006-2008 in Shevchenkove, a village in the Kharkiv region.

This is a holiday fundraiser for the children of Shevchenkove, who have lived through over seven months of Russian occupation, followed by two terrifying missile strikes last month that destroyed their schools, House of Culture and some residences. According to the school psychologist, the kids are traumatized, afraid to leave their homes and often without water or electricity.

We will use 100% of the funds donated to purchase winter clothing, toys, books, and holiday treats for the 630+ children 3-18 years old living in the village. These items will be bought in bulk and are not expensive, so even a small donation of $25 can purchase gifts for 10+ children.

I am working with my longtime Ukrainian friend, English teacher Lilia Mykolaivna and fellow Peace Corps Volunteer Jing Li. We have a trusted team of Ukrainians on the ground in the village ready to purchase and distribute items to the children for the holidays. These are colleagues we have known for 15+ years and are employed with the school district and other reputable organizations, including school principal Tetiana Viktorivna. They will provide photos and receipts of all items purchased, and we will be sure to share these in our update emails.

Our team has successfully raised thousands of dollars and coordinated the delivery of supplies to the village, even under Russian occupation. Previously purchased items include food, medical supplies, hygiene items, baby formula and a badly needed electrocardiogram for the local clinic. We also provided cash assistance to individual families through a partnership with a project called Friends of Ukraine-RI.