The ongoing crisis in Ukraine has been disheartening, to say the least. Hundreds of innocent civilians have died or been injured, and hundreds of thousands have been displaced from their homes as a result of the Russian invasion. People and organizations around the world have stepped up to show solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine, and also the country’s animals and pets impacted by the war. It’s inspiring to see neighboring countries like Poland, Moldova and Hungary welcome tens of thousands of refugees from Ukraine with open arms.
In the face of war and destruction, it’s comforting to remember there are still so many kind-hearted and empathetic people in the world.
Inspiring Examples of People Helping Refugees From Ukraine
Here are just a few inspiring examples of global citizens helping some of the thousands of refugees who have been forced to flee Ukraine:
1. Ashton Kutcher & Mila Kunis Have Raised More than $13 Million
Since Mila Kunis fled Ukraine with her family as a seven-year-old child, the current events unfolding in the country are particularly close to her heart. Along with her husband Ashton Kutcher, she launched a fundraiser to help Ukrainian refugees with a $30 million goal. As of March 7th, they have raised more than $13 million to help the refugees. The pair already have a history of using their social media presence for good. On the campaign page, Kunis writes that she and Kutcher will be matching donations up to $3 million.
“Today, I am a proud Ukrainian. While my family came to the United States in 1991, I was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine in 1983. 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. Our family is starting this fund to help provide immediate support and we will be matching up to $3 million dollars,” Kunis writes on the campaign page.
2. Blake Lively & Ryan Reynolds Are Matching Donations up to $1 Million
Another inspiring example of a celebrity couple that’s helping to raise awareness and drive donations for refugees fleeing Ukraine is Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. The pair has pledged to match donations up to $1 million to “create double the support.”
3. Sunflower of Peace is Fundraising for First Aid Backpacks
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Katya Malakhova is the founder of Sunflower of Peace, a non-profit organization that helps Ukrainians affected by the Russian military invasion. Malakhova has launched a fundraiser to help Ukrainian refugees with a $6 million goal. The campaign is raising money for first aid backpacks for paramedics and doctors on the ground. Each backpack has the power to save 10 lives by including things like bandages, medical instruments and anti-hemorrhagic medicine like Quikclot and Celox.
4. Host a Sister is Sheltering Female Ukrainians
Organizations like Host a Sister, which was first developed in 2019 as a safe space for female travelers, have pivoted in an inspiring way to offer increased support to women and children fleeing Ukraine. Through the Host a Sister group, female Ukrainians have been able to find support, shelter and a shoulder to cry on during a time of crisis.
A repost on their Instagram page reads: “Am here to say a big thank you to you all. My sister is now in the safe hands of a fellow wonderful sister in Slovakia. From the border, they were received well, the officers were also very welcoming and kind. I would like to thank everyone and the admins who have played a big role in helping and sharing all the information.”
5. Vostok SOS is Providing On-The-Ground Support
In response to the situation in Ukraine, Vostok SOS has launched a comprehensive campaign to provide Ukrainian refugees with humanitarian aid and psychological support. The organization is providing both on-the-ground support as Ukrainians evacuate the country, as well as free hotlines to help anyone who has been affected by the crisis.
An inspiring post on their Instagram page describes sending humanitarian aid to the east of Ukraine by train: “Ukrzaliznytsia [Ukrainian Railways] has provided not only the evacuation from dangerous places, but also the transportation of the humanitarian aid across Ukraine. With their help, 389 boxes of food, baby food, diapers and sweets, carefully collected by Vostok SOS volunteers, were sent to Kramatorsk today. They will be met there by representatives of the Community Development Fund and distributed among the victims of the war.”
