Thermal Clothes for Ukrainian First Responders

Dear friends, family, leaders, and supporters,

As the Russian war in Ukraine continues, millions of people face displacement, hunger, distress, and a level of loss that is impossible to describe. If you are reading this message, you probably know someone who is directly affected by this war. Since the first days of the war, our community of Ukrainians in Gainesville, Florida has worked to help our people back in Ukraine receive medical and humanitarian aid.

Now, winter is coming. In Kyiv, the average temperate for the months of December through February is 27° F (-2° C). Some people can shelter, but first responders must work around the clock in all weather conditions to rescue injured people after missile strikes, extinguish fires, and demine Ukrainian territories. To do their job, they must have the proper gear—their clothes need to be warm but nonflammable and allow for a full range of motion. We are teaming up with MedGlobal, a nonprofit that works directly with the Ukrainian Ministry of Health, to purchase thermal clothes for the first responders of Ukraine.

As we approach the holiday season, Ukrainians continue to live through air raids, missile strikes, and power outages, while maintaining resiliency and hope for a better future. Can you help make their holiday season a little bit better and warmer?

What you might spend eating out once in the US can make a real difference in the life of a Ukrainian right now, it can buy a thermal set. Can’t give $15 dollars? Give $3! Give $1! Every single donation makes a difference, and together we can do something big! Right now in Ukraine, many say “Give 10 hryvnia whenever you see a donation drive for Ukraine.” With the current exchange rate, 10 hryvnia is about 27¢ USD. Ukrainians who don’t have much for themselves still manage to give this amount, knowing their donation has an impact and helps those who need it most. We hope this inspires you to give a dollar or two as well.

We are using GoFundMe to share our initiative, track community support, and express gratitude to all of our partners, family, and friends. Funds will be submitted through a direct bank account transfer to MedGlobal for the purchase of thermal clothes at the conclusion of our collection, and we will update you along all steps of the way. This campaign will be running from November 15 to December 25, after which we will order the clothes and try to have them shipped before the New Year.

Thank you for your continued support and Slava Ukraini!

Yours,

The Ukrainian Student Association at the University of Florida