Ukraine

Слава Україні! / Glory to Ukraine!

For me, Ukraine is a lot more than a birthplace. Similarly to the United States, it is much more than a geographical location. Rather, it is a complex intertwined symbol of a difficult past, tragic present and hopeful future.

I’ve lived on this planet for a relatively long time (60+ years) and my appreciation, love and respect for Ukraine and its people was not instantaneous. Even my first language was not Ukrainian. It took many personal visits to all corners of this immense country, a lot of reading, conversations and soul-searching to proudly recognize and accept the fact that I am a Ukrainian.

The brutal unjust war which started on February 24, 2022 had cemented my commitment to the place of my distant birth. Yes, I am a Ukrainian and I will do everything in my power to repulse and defeat the bloodthirsty enemy.

The Progress Report

During the first year of the war we collected about US$80,000 – many heartfelt THANKS! to our donors! These funds were used to purchase and deliver some of the critically needed items in the shortest time possible. There was no waste, no overhead, no “corruption” of any kind!

We were able to accomplish this feat by partnering with small volunteer organizations in Ukraine. These dedicated people had performed miracles in order to acquire the necessary items and personally deliver them to the military units and / or the refugees who need them. Thank you very much, our dear friends!

Click below for more information on what we’ve done so far:

What’s Next?

I write these lines in early April of 2023. In just a month from now, I’ll be heading to Ukraine. I had crisscrossed the country in the fall of 2021 with 16 American friends, just months before the bombs started to fall. To say that the upcoming trip will be more meaningful than all other visits is to say nothing at all. I am anxious, afraid and I can’t wait to board the Warsaw – Kyiv train.

“Why are you going?”, many people ask. The shortest and the most honest answer is “Because I want to!” I want to hug my friends who had not left the besieged capital and endured bombing, air raid sirens, destruction of the electric power grid… all while taking care of small children, sick relatives, elderly parents, and their country.

I want to shake hands of my partners – volunteers – who continue to risk their lives to deliver the needed items to the front lines. I want to talk to the people who had left their families and jobs to defend the block posts around Kyiv, while the enemy tank columns were advancing on the city.

We are also bringing money to purchase medications while in Kyiv and distribute them to the people who need them. We will be working together with a local medical doctor in an ambulance in order to personally deliver everything we purchase to the villages around Kyiv.

Will you help me with that? Any amount will help. Here is how to donate:





Zelle payment info

Слава Україні! / Glory to Ukraine!