Ways to help Ukraine

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Seeing the war unfold in Ukraine has brought horror, disbelief, anger, and sadness. Like many others around the world, I have felt depressed and helpless. What is happening to innocent people is unacceptable and should not be tolerated. 

I have been a couchsurfer for more than a decade with ties to Europe, including Ukraine. This is one of the reasons it's so upsetting. I hosted one of the most delightful humans from Kyiv. Thankfully, he and his family are safely living in the Netherlands. They are working with their local government to house refugees, and he will be hosting a Ukrainian family. 

There are many organizations providing assistance and I am sharing some of them here. Please do what you can to help the people of Ukraine.

  • Shelly Tygielski (@mindfulskatergirl) is heading to the Ukraine/Poland border to provide emergency aid to the fighters and families. She and her team are looking for donations (I easily donated via Venmo) and volunteers.
  • Razom is a non-profit Ukrainian-American human rights organization.
  • Hostelworld is offering "Rooms for Refugees" in various cities with free and discounted accommodations. 
  • UMANA (Ukrainian Medical Association of North America) is offering ways to help on their website.
  • Follow the official website of Ukraine for updates and other ways to donate.
  • Chicago Sings for Ukraine - On March 7, 2022, composer Ira Antelis brings together a group of Chicago's best to record a song to benefit Ukraine. It will be available as an electronic download for $1.00 with all proceeds going to a Ukrainian charity. You can purchase it here once it becomes available.
  • Order a tee to help a refugee
  • Attend a rally
  • A lovely woman by the name of Natalia Putik shared this great resource with me, outlining companies that have left Russia.
If you have other ways to help, I encourage you to add comments. Until victory, Ukraine!

I took this photo a few years ago in Detroit, and it's so appropriate right now. War isn't the answer and never will be.

"Maybe One Day" by Zakrin

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