HELPING UKRAINE IS ALL ABOUT THE EFFORTS OF ORDINARY PEOPLE
I am one of those ordinary people who, like my friends and colleagues, wondered what we could do after the devastating attacks on Ukraine began in February 2022. My first inclination was to reach out to a friend from business school, Edward, whose family comes from Ukraine and Poland. I knew that he would have an accurate assessment of what Ukraine needed. Edward and his trusted friends and colleagues understood that the situation in Ukraine required immediate relief. To address that, they created Help Ukraine 22 / Operation Palyanytsya, now called HUOP. They came together to raise money quickly to provide micro-grants to NGOs and hospitals in dire need. They delivered relief in a number of forms, including but not limited to: evacuation, medical assistance, transportation, childcare, food, and housing. When I asked what I could do to help, I was informed that I could 1) come to Poland to help on site, and 2) raise money for HU22/OP. I decided I would travel to Poland and asked if there was anything I could bring. They sent me a list of vital medical supplies that I could bring over.
To prepare for my trip, Mitch, Madison, and I let people know that we were helping Ukraine and how they could support the cause. We created an online registry of medical supplies that I would bring over. We’re so thankful that so many friends and colleagues helped donate supplies. Within a few days, the donations that we had received filled six large suitcases, all of which I took to Poland. (Endless thanks to Ken White for posting the list so that his followers would donate.)
I delivered the supplies and during the following few weeks, witnessed the people of Poland helping countless Ukrainians across the border to safety and providing them refuge. I also met Ukrainians who relayed their individual stories as they crossed Medyka, which is an entry point to Poland. What I remembered the most was the team at HU22 who traveled to Warsaw to offer their respective talents. There were humanitarians, doctors, logistics experts, and more who heeded the calls of the NGOs, hospitals and SBOs and issued assistance. I have never experienced anything like those two weeks in Poland.
Earlier this year, I returned to Poland for a specific project, which involved my traveling into Ukraine from west to east with Executive Director Brian Mefford, Dr. Tanya Kovganych, and other people from the HUOP team. During this time, I met people whom the efforts of HUOP aided in 2022. Also, I met people at a healthcare facility, a women’s shelter, and various factories. We visited the site of the Bucha Massacre, and I met a lovely woman who manages the gift shop of the church. Everyone in Ukraine had three things in common: they were tough as nails, effusive with their gratitude toward the U.S., and have a firm resolve to adjust to their new normal. I met artisans who are experts in embroidery, design, and creating Ukraine-specific items like the Pysanky (decorated eggs, for which they are known). And their work continues in an abbreviated way. Naturally, I brought back many samples of my favorite items and would love for you to see them.
My work for Ukraine will not stop here! My upcycled fashion startup, Salvage Renaissance, offers two types of Ukraine-themed merchandise:
- Ukraine-themed clothing, artifacts, kitchen items, and accessories for sale, with 100% of sales donated to HU22. These items reflect the best of Ukrainian talent and promote their work, including sketches, paintings, and embroidery. There are also some other pieces by American artists who created original artwork on preloved, upcycled items that reflects the alliance between the U.S. and Ukraine.
- Salvage Renaissance also features a collection of jewelry, scarves, and novelty gifts that I collected during my visit in January. They reflect the extent of the talented designers and artisans of Ukraine (and I will provide links to their work). You may contact them directly to purchase their work.
You can see photos of both sets of merchandise here. I’ve continued to work with Help Ukraine / Operation Palyanytsya because even if Ukraine appears less in the news, the cause is just as important as it was in February of 2022. HU/OP continues their efforts to help Ukraine: the organization currently focuses on the “invisible wounds of war,” such as the mental health issues that plague Ukrainian soldiers and their families, as well as the effects on the children and elderly. One of the ways we can help Ukraine is by purchasing their merchandise.
So, after this long-winded introduction, I would like to thank the directors and staff of Help Ukraine 22 / Operation Palyanytsya for all the good work they have done and for their continued work to help Ukraine rebuild amidst tragedy. Specifically, thank you to Brian Mefford and Terry Benham for giving me this award, and Edward Marshall for connecting me with this organization. I am so grateful that you allowed a stranger to join your valiant efforts. I have never witnessed any operation that was so efficient, effective, thoughtful, and breathtaking. And finally, I want to thank our friends and colleagues who have donated time, effort, or money into helping Ukraine over the past year and a half. I appreciate how all of you have been able to give what you can and show up for an important cause. I especially appreciate how so many of you have shown up repeatedly for Ukraine!
After all, helping Ukraine is all about the efforts of ordinary people, whether they be ordinary Ukrainians defending their country or ordinary Americans lending their support to some of the bravest people in the world. I’m honored to have helped and am grateful for Ukraine’s hospitality when I’ve visited.