“I can’t talk. We must take shelter immediately!” You can hear air-raid sirens, a phone click, and a long silence of uncertainty... an uncertainty for 44 million Ukrainians and their loved ones.
I’m a Ukrainian immigrant living in the US, and my immediate family - parents, brother, aunt and cousins are still living in a war zone back home. It is impossible for me, in one post, to tell you the firsthand stories of the horrors that my fellow Ukrainians are facing on the ground every day… where sheltering has become a norm and the uncertainty of life is measured in seconds. There are no words to describe the horrific act of war and its impact.
You’ve probably seen a lot of heart-breaking images of destroyed infrastructure, buildings, and homes. But that can be rebuilt. What can’t be rebuilt is life. People are paying the price of their lives for freedom, defending their families, their country. Some newborn kids will never know the love of a mother, and some mothers will never see their sons again. Separated families, broken lives, one destroyed country…
I stand with Ukraine and commend the courage to defend one’s own. But I have decided to do my part to help in a more meaningful way. While there are several ways to donate through non-profit organizations, my research led me to believe there isn’t one that donated 100% to the cause. Because of this, I have created my own relief fund where 100% of every dollar donated, including my own contributions, will go directly to Ukrainians in need. I will personally oversee every dollar spent to the immediate need of medical, clothing and food supplies through direct sources on the ground. I am constantly in contact with people there to ensure the most effective and reliable way to transfer funds as the situation changes.
Some examples of where the money will go (Pictures at the bottom):
• Yesterday (March 7th), there was a strike. The neighborhood I grew up in got destroyed. A young woman ran out to get her 6 years old son into the house. She got hit by the debris of a rocket and got killed. She laid there for at least 4 hours before someone picked her up while her son was there the entire time. The money will be used to get basic care for the child.
• A 6th grader got wounded and is now in intensive care. His mother and his sister (19) were killed. The boy and his sister went to the same school I attended. The money will be used for his medical care/supplies.
• Our Friends’ houses were destroyed. Fortunately, they are all alive and well but in need of safety and support. The money will be used to get them to a safe refuge.
These are just a few of a million more triggering stories of people who will need our help. Please remember every dollar matters, and no amount is too small. Thank you so much in advance for your support, love and generosity.
No to War! Glory to Ukraine!
Love, Anya
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