Ukrainian Refugee Support Network

Since this senseless war on Ukraine began, my Poland-based family and I have been in constant communication throughout. My cousin Agnieszka, along with her husband and two adult children live near the Polish-Ukrainian border, where my family is originally from. Regardless of the time of day, Agnieszka has been able to provide real-time updates of these atrocities, and also the ways that the people of Poland are selflessly coming to the aid of the displaced people of Ukraine.

 

As of 27/02/2022 roughly 220,000 individuals have crossed into Poland, and the city of Warsaw alone is expected to receive an additional 5 million Ukrainian refugees over the coming days. While the Polish government has quickly set up resources to transport and facilities to house some of the people, there is a dire need for additional accommodations for the thousands of people desperately crossing the border.

 

As many selfless people have done, Agnieszka and her family have taken in a woman and her six young children, who are strangers in need, and put them up in her rental property. This brave woman traveled alone with her children while her husband - the father to her children - has remained in Ukraine to continue to fight for their country. Sadly, her story is not a unique one. Agnieszka and her family are providing food, water, warmth, and comfort to this family in desperate need. They have also taken in another family into their primary home. Additionally, her son, a young physician on the front line during the pandemic, and his fiancée are doing the same. Agnieszka is also working together with other members of our family, friends, colleagues, and their community to transport and house other Ukrainian refugees in other parts of Poland.

 

Many of the displaced people of Ukraine have arrived in a foreign country, with only the clothes on their backs and a few personal belongings. They've had no choice but to leave everything else behind, including loved ones. There is a real need for funds to continue to support the efforts of the kind people who are opening up their homes and hearts to help their Ukrainian neighbors during this unprecedented time.

 

I am humbly asking for your help to assist in this humanitarian effort. Every penny of these funds will go directly to Agnieszka and those in her network of Angels to purchase food, toiletries, fuel for transport vehicles, medical supplies, and other necessities to support the Ukrainian people displaced by this violent invasion. The goal is set for $2,500, but I pray the generosity from those looking to help in some way will exceed this. Particularly as the situation is only becoming more dire, and more people will need all the help they can get during this difficult time. No amount is too small, and I have genuine gratitude for any contribution.

 

From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely am grateful for you, as are the recipients of your generosity. Wishing you and yours love, light, health, and peace. Dziękuję bardzo (thank you so much).

 

In kindness and solidarity,

Nicole (Niki) Kalaigian (Kozlowski)

 

 

(cover photo credit: AP)