How You Can Help People in Ukraine Right Now
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Credit: Chris McGrath/Getty People.com
As I watched news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, I couldn’t help but feel vulnerable. A woman my age was walking quickly, a bookbag on her shoulders, sleeping child in her arms, and her older daughter next to her keeping pace.
The woman was explaining to the reporter how she heard missiles the night of the invasion, her brave husband ushering them to flee as he stayed behind to fight in the war. I cannot imagine what it must be like to be in her shoes, or the estimated one million people left displaced in Ukraine due to the war.
As an Ethiopian American, I saw my family’s narrative reflected in the story the mother was telling. I can recall vivid stories of the Civil War that broke out in Ethiopia, as told to me by my family, and the impact it had on them.
I glanced at my young boys as they played innocently and thought to myself:
what can I do to help Ukraine?
A humanitarian crisis looms over Ukraine, cities have run out of food and supplies of medicine are running low. If there was ever a time to mobilize, it is now.
Please consider helping the people of Ukraine by donating to the organizations or fundraisers below.
Razom means together in Ukraine. This non-profit, based in New York, is coordinating an emergency response to purchase medical supplies to ship to Ukraine. Razom is also working with several organizations, including United Help Ukraine, Nova Ukraine, and Sunflower for Peace.
Stand With Ukraine – Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher
Ukrainian-born Mila Kunis and husband Ashton Kutcher have launched a GoFundMe page for victims of Russia’s invasion of the country and will match up to $3 million in donations. Milia writes, “Ukrainians are proud and brave people who deserve our help in their time of need. This unjust attack on Ukraine and humanity at large is devastating and the Ukrainian people need our support.”
Doctors Without Borders has been operating in Ukraine since 2014. The organization is increasing its medical humanitarian response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine and in neighboring countries.
UNICEF has been working nonstop in eastern Ukraine, delivering lifesaving programs for affected children and families as fighting has taken an increasingly heavy toll on the civilian population of 3.4 million people – including 510,000 children – living in the Donbas region.
Russia-Ukraine Updates
To stay updated on the latest developments, visit:
