The Russia-Ukraine crisis is deeply saddening to watch from afar. My heart breaks for the families and animals being affected. This brief post is to provide some solutions to support Ukrainian people right now, and connect any individuals fleeing Ukraine with those nearby offering support; housing, transportation, stabling for animals, animal shelter & care.
I will continue to update this post with additional information and resources as they come. Please feel free to share further resources with me to add to this list. Thank you kindly.
Sending peace, love, light, and prayers to Ukraine.
Xo, M.
1) Donate to organizations doing work in Ukraine
Voices of Children: Charitable Foundation Voices of Children helps children affected by the war in eastern Ukraine. Thanks to you, we provide psychological and psychosocial support to children. It helps them overcome the consequences of armed conflict and develop.
United Help Ukraine: United Help Ukraine (UHU) is working to provide life-saving individual first aid kits (IFAKs containing blood-stopping bandages and tourniquets) and other emergency medical supplies to the front lines.In addition, UHU is also cooperating with other emergency response organizations to prepare humanitarian aid to civilians that might be directly affected if Russian forces attack.
Vostok SOS: Vostok SOS, based in Ukraine, partners with German-Swiss NGO Liberico to help people evacuate, provide humanitarian aid, and psychosocial support. Vostok has hotlines open for affected people and our team is on the ground in the region, ready to coordinate aid.
IFAW: IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. They are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans, and in more than 40 countries around the world. Their team rescues, rehabilitates and releases animals, and restore and protect their natural habitats. IFAW partners with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. IFAW is currently preparing to rush emergency aid to two local animal shelters in Ukraine that urgently need help:
- Shelter Pif, is located in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine. Evacuation is not an option for shelter staff and the over 800 dogs in their care.
- The Holivka Shelter, located in Gorlovka in eastern Ukraine. Staff are not allowed to cook hot food for their dogs because the fire could draw unnecessary attention to the shelter. They desperately need to buy dry food for the 300 dogs in their care.
2) Support your local Ukrainian business owners.
– Buying from your local Ukrainian businesses & restaurants will help support their work, culture, and their families. Do a quick search to find Ukrainian businesses near you!
3) Support journalism in Ukraine.
– The Kyiv Independent is Ukraine’s English-language media outlet that is providing moment-to-moment updates as the attacks continue (www.kyivindependent.com). Support their work by reading their articles, and circulating reliable information.
4) Stay informed on the Russia-Ukraine crisis.
– Staying informed through credible sources helps us all better understand what is happening, and how we can continue to take action in the long run!
5) Share reliable resources & information consciously.
– Try to consciously share reliable information and updates from credible sources, avoid sharing traumatic images / videos (please remember to include TW’s)!
GENERAL Support & Resources:
PEOPLE looking for a place to stay fleeing Ukraine? Check this group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/unitipentruucraina/
Fleeing Ukraine with ANIMALS who need shelter and care? Check this group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/976873776134238/
Resources for Equestrians fleeing Ukraine with HORSES:
Connect with this group to find available transport / stable options in Poland: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1163305924474696/
Another group for available housing / transport / stabling in Poland: https://www.facebook.com/groups/976873776134238/
Connect with this group to find available transport / stable options in Slovakia: https://www.facebook.com/groups/654211168968932/permalink/654240628965986/
Database of Stables welcoming Ukrainian horses in Poland: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1gzzX7Qc02po0oby-U8NMTt_fu4Aean7Y/edit?filetype=msexcel&fbclid=IwAR3lWdVN5HN5LVP-IK_gJF-oojarb64WOzJDE-HpZQe9qXpTw99tCW4rUco
PLEASE NOTE: Unfortunately there are people out there who will take advantage of vulnerable people. Although many of groups are trying their best to filter out any potential harm / threats, please beware of potential scammers.