Supporting Ukraine
The crisis in Ukraine has been weighing heavily on many of us. Our news programs continue to show heart shattering images of neighborhoods crumbling to the ground, families being ripped apart and millions of people displaced and unsure of their future. As a team and as a community we felt moved to act to do what we can to support the humanitarian efforts to aid the strong and brave people of Ukraine. This Saturday our incredible store manager Shelby taught a grounding yoga class that we were able to share with members of our community both in person and over social media. Our friends, family and neighbors showed up and gave donations and together we have raised $625 that we plan to spread equally across five different organizations. There are so many fundraising efforts in action right now and in doing our research these five spoke to our core values including helping women and partnering with our local community and their support efforts. Below is a brief description of each organization as well as a couple of resources if you are interested in doing more research on your own and donating privately. A huge thank you again to our community for helping us to spread love and support to the people of Ukraine as together we hope for a quick and peaceful resolution and opportunity to safely rebuild.
Razom emergency response is an SOS call to action in this time of need. They are currently focused on sending medical aid, tactical medical supplies and medical supplies and equipment to Ukrainian hospitals.
This organization is focused on helping the most vulnerable Ukrainians in need, including children. All donations will support humanitarian assistance in impacted communities in Ukraine and surrounding regions where Ukrainian refugees have fled. This assistance includes providing shelter, food, clean water, health and and psychosocial support, access to education and economic assistance, and more.
Fight for Right promotes and protects the human rights of people living with disabilities. In response to the crisis they are coordinating with accessible shelters, evacuations and emergency services ensuring those living with disabilities aren’t left out of humanitarian efforts.
Urgent Action Fund for Women’s Human Rights:
The Urgent Action Fund is helping support women, transgender, and nonbinary activists on the ground in and around Ukraine, by providing flexible funding, access to communication channels and medical support.
The capital region is home to thousands of Ukrainian-Americans and the community has come together to raise funds for humanitarian needs of refugees in Ukraine. The donation will go to the Capital District Branch of the UCCA (Ukrainian Congress Committee of America) a charitable organization that has been working to aid the people of Ukraine since 1940.
Local Ukrainian Churches Collecting Goods:
The following churches in partnership with the Capital District Branch of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America are collecting drop off items including medical supplies, first aid kits, sleeping supplies, personal hygiene products, clothing (unworn) baby supplies, tools and dried food.
St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic Church in Watervliet
St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church in Troy
St. Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church in Cohoes
Read the times union article for times, locations and list of supplies requested.
Other Donation Guides & Resources:
https://www.obama.org/updates/help-ukraine/
https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/117811171978246391