Support my work in Ukraine

Hey everyone! I'm Nate, and I am raising funds to support my efforts in Ukraine.

I live in Kharkiv, Ukraine, and have been volunteering since October 2022. When I first arrived I assisted with refugee work on both the Polish and Romanian borders. Currently, I help to drive humanitarian aid and medical supplies from Kharkiv to areas throughout eastern Ukraine near the front. I help evacuate the injured, elderly, and others that have been severely impacted by the war. I manage a team of 12 Ukrainians that provide support for children that have lost their homes and families to the war.

I lived in the Baltics and Belarus for a few years, speak Russian (am learning Ukrainian), and have absolutely been in love with this part of the world my entire adult life. I rescued a beautiful pup named Chara. She was born blind and is the sweetest dog I've ever met in my life!

Volunteer work comes at a cost though and your donations to this fundraiser will help me to ramp up my own efforts and productivity.

The funds raised will be used in three areas of need:

Transportation

budget: $15,000

I have been able to help when the need for a van or ambulance driver has arisen. Most NGOs have their own vans and teams so in order to be more efficient, I need a van of my own.

Having a van will allow me to partner with international aid organizations by increasing the capacity of aid being brought into and distributed across Ukraine.

The funds raised will allow me to purchase a used cargo/passenger combo van like the Renault Trafic pictured above. A combo van provides the flexibility of running humanitarian aid while allowing for the safe and comfortable evacuation of people away from the front lines.

Operating Expenses (fuel/maintenance)

budget: $10,000

I believe strongly in helping the local economy and I do this by renting a flat from local Ukrainians, purchasing groceries and supplies from local stores, and humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Fuel expenses are the #1 forgotten cost when it comes to delivering aid to Ukraine. Many organizations simply don't have the budget to actually deliver the aid once it arrives at the border or other distribution centers.

Safety Equipment

budget: $5,000

I take my own safety seriously and have been borrowing body armor from other organizations for each trip.

The funds raised will help me to purchase my own body armor vest, plates, and helmet.

Total Budget: $30,000

Transportation - $15,000

Operating Expenses - $10,000 (fuel/maintenance)

Safety Equipment - $5,000

I am inspired by the courage, determination, and pure grit of every Ukrainian I meet along the way. I feel incredibly privileged and honored to be here volunteering at this critical time.

With your help, the funds raised will allow me to continue my work in Ukraine for the next six months.

Thank you so much for your support!