Ukrainian refugee families in need of assistance

We need help supporting two families who recently arrived in Wilmington, NC from Kyiv, Ukraine. Sviatlana was a sales manager for a fabric company in Kyiv, and her husband is a communications manager for a retail chain. Their son Mark is a very busy, active toddler, who turned two just when the war started. Natasha worked as a clothing designer, and her husband is a professional soccer player and coach. Their daughter Yeva, who will turn eight years old this summer, is a very bright, soft-spoken little girl who loves school, and ice cream. It was an extremely difficult decision for them to leave their homes, but the safety of the children was paramount. We are confident that those in the greater Wilmington community will embrace them and help in whatever way they can.

The money we raise will be used to help them put a deposit down on a shared apartment, rent for 3 months, and daily living expenses like utilities and food. They also need transportation, which includes an automobile. They are enrolled in English class and are looking for employment. We are also seeking donations for furniture and clothing. Despite all the uncertainties they face, including the fate of their husbands and fathers, these families remain resilient and grateful to be safely in Wilmington. Monetary donations can be made through the GoFundMe campaign or to the Wilmington East Rotary Foundation, a 501c3 organization (Write a check to Wilmington East Rotary Charitable Trust, P O Box 373, Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480-be sure to indicate for Ukrainian refugees). Please contact (Dan Parks, [email redacted]) for donations of furniture, clothing and cars.

The following information is provided to address the GoFundMe vetting process

main contact: Daniel W Parks - [email redacted]

• The full names of those individuals or organizations you are raising money for or are helping to distribute the funds and assistance (such as supplies) / Sviatlana Baranava & son Mark, Natasha Meynik & daughter Yeva.

• All cities where funds and assistance are being sent /Wilmington, NC

• A detailed plan explaining how the money will be used/ For an apartment security deposit, 3 months rent, apartment furnishings including furniture and bedding, clothing, a vehicle for transportation, child care while the moms are working. Until they find work, they will need help with utility bills and food. They basically showed up 12/30/2022 with four suitcases of personal belongings.