Ukraine Solidarity

As the Ukraine invasion continues - people and animals suffer.   

The goal of this fundraiser is to raise funds and spotlight grassroot heroic efforts providing vital resources and humanitarian aid to Ukraine refugees in Poland and Ukraine.  Financial support will allow continuation of their life-saving work; will provide opportunity to give aid to many human and animal refugees; and will guarantee resources, such as food, education and medical supplies, will directly reach refugees.  

All funds from this fundraiser will go directly to help Ukraine refugees.

Waves of refugees still head west, toward Poland, to​ward​ safety. Most travel minimally; they have limited time to collect precious things before leaving their homes, their country. If lucky, they make it to the border. Then on to Poland or other countries accepting refugees.

 

These traumatized refugees need help. All need lodging, food, simple everyday necessities, and resources. Some need extra care like medicines, medical attention, and healthcare.

 

I’ve just returned from a two-week solo humanitarian trip to Poland, successfully providing direct aid and resources to Ukrainian refugees in Poland and Ukraine.  Tons of supplies were purchased then transported inside Poland, on the Ukraine border and inside Ukraine.  Supplies, such as food, toiletries, supplies, medicine, and medical supplies, went directly to those in need.  On this trip, I connected and worked with several grassroots groups and individuals, who are making a difference and saving lives.  

 

These individuals jumped in as soon as the invasion began. However, none knew precisely how, as a neighbor’s invasion had not happened around there for 70ish years. Yet, with the desire to help, provide safety and support to the desperate souls fleeing a horrific war zone. These people did just that. They've been working non-stop, using their own money and resources.

Grassroot efforts are happening all over Poland.   I met and worked with several of these heroic grassroot, "boots on the ground" groups and individuals.  These funds will continue to support their work, providing support and aid to Ukraine refugees, in Poland, at the Ukraine border, and inside Ukraine.   Meet a few of these heroes:

 

 

Jacek and Marcin are two honorable people. They took leave from work, used their own money and transported families (primarily women and children) from the various border points to the safety of Krakow. On trips to the border, rigs were filled with supplies and food; then transported deep inside Ukraine. During the first month of this invasion, their group drove several hundred people to safe and secure locations. I accompanied them on one such trip, bringing supplies to the border and to contacts transporting them into Ukraine. On the return trip, we transported two families away from the war-zone to the safety of Krakow. We knew their gratitude, though we could not verbally communicate (I don’t speak Ukrainian or Polish). When we arrived safely in Krakow, the grandmother looked me in the eyes, placed her hand on her heart, teary-eyed. They have other projects, too, such as providing support and books for Ukraine kids hoping to integrate into the education system; and transporting food and medical supplies to various refugee centers around Poland.

 

Kasia works tirelessly, helping run a soup distribution center. Soups (Zupa) are a cultural part of Ukraine. Ukraine refugees come to this center to get homemade soup and other food and supplies. Additionally, she coordinates soup delivery to various refugee points around the city, around Poland and inside Ukraine. I volunteered at this food distribution center many days with her. As a professional interpreter, I watched her effortlessly communicate with refugees; many do not speak Polish. This communication allows her to help refugees in many ways. An activist, Kasia has many networks with other organizations doing similar work.

 

Aga is a Polish warrior. She works at the train station, assisting incoming refugees with their pets. Pets arrive just like people, traumatized, hungry and scared. She buys supplies for the station, such as pet carriers, food, leashes, and medicines. Aga also is involved in other projects. One of her missions included getting supplies to a partially blown-out hospital. The patients were trapped in the hospital basement, without food. We purchased special Isra​e​li wound bandages, that can be self-applied and act as tourniquets, and other supplies; all of which were transported successfully deep into Ukraine.

 

Klaudia is a powerhouse running a small animal shelter. She provides surgeries, shots, food and tender care for dogs and cats she’s brought back from Ukraine. She’s trained in behavioral issues, which is helpful for these anxious animals. She goes into Ukraine and brings animals back to her shelter. She managed to get 40 dogs into the country on one recent trip, despite border guards telling her she could only bring 15. She convinced them to allow all the dogs, who then received care; most were adopted quickly.  She's been coordinating many animal adoptions; some stay in Poland, others are adopted to animal lovers around Europe.

 

All donated funds will go directly to help Ukrainian refugees. 

I deeply appreciate your consideration, and welcome any questions.