Crisis in Ukraine – How to Help

Since the 24th of February, the world has looked on in disbelief as Russian forces have pushed into Ukraine. Over the past 8 days, we have seen the strength of the Ukrainian people as they stand and fight to keep Putin at bay. Around the world, businesses have cut ties with Russia, world leaders have imposed harsh sanctions, charities have mobilised to provide aid, and everyday people have enlisted to join the front-line fighting. But, according to the UN, more than 1 million people have been forced to flee the country and those who have stayed are facing harsh conditions.

Those of us at Nonchalant have repeated the refrain that is on everyone’s lips at the moment: “what can we do to help?” It’s easy to feel helpless during such difficult times but there are ways in which we can all show our support and stand with Ukraine.

Donate

For those of you who can afford to make a donation but are unsure where to send it to, we’ve compiled a list of charities below.

• World Central Kitchen, at the time of writing, have 8 border postings set-up providing hot meals to those in need. They are also supporting local restaurants in preparing meals across 5 Ukrainian cities. Donate here

• The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is providing relief operations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to support fleeing civilians. They are providing urgent care such as shelter and blankets. Donate here

• British Red Cross is part of the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), 15 member charities who unite in times of monumental suffering to provide aid, training and support to those in need. Donate here

• Save The Children are working in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to provide everything from winter clothing to mental health support and access to inclusive education. Donate here.

• Mercy Corps has been working in Ukraine since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Now they are mobilising a regional team to provide emergency cash assistance and support to local organisations. Donate here.

Maximise your donation

Before you donate, check whether your workplace will match or better any donations made. Some companies are committing to match, double, or even triple any donations to Ukraine. If you work for or know someone who works for one of those companies, then pool your donations and filter them through that route. Suddenly your £10 could be £30.

Donate supplies

For those who aren’t able to give money but may have a warm blanket or spare toothbrushes, there are local businesses and charities collecting supplies to drive into Ukraine.

For those of you based in London:

• The White Eagle Club in Balham is taking donations of sanitary products, razors, hats, first aid kits, and many more. Follow them on Facebook for more information.
• The Lewisham Polish Centre has a list of urgently needed supplies on their Instagram.
• SOAS World Development society are collecting essential items needed for refugees. More details on what they need can be found on Instagram.

These are just three but there are hundreds more businesses and charities collecting essential supplies so have a look at what is going on in your local area.

Take to the streets

All around the UK, and the world, people have been marching out to denounce Putin and stand in solidarity with Ukraine. If you feel comfortable with the idea of being in a crowd then there are Facebook groups such as the Ukrainian Solidarity Campaign and Euromaidan London that you can follow which will provide details on planned protests.

Fundraising events

You can set up your own fundraising event, whether it is the classic bake sale or a sponsored tattoo, anything you can do to generate funds for charities can help.

If you aren’t able to host your own fundraiser, a quick Google unearths countless fundraising events going on around the UK. In London, there are not 1 but 2 raves on Friday 11th March.

• R3 Soundsystem is a London based protest and music collective who are putting on a fundraising rave at Venue MOT in South London from 10pm to 7am.
• In East London, Space 289 are hosting a fundraiser event from 7pm to 1am, 100% of ticket sales and bar profits will go to charities supporting Ukraine.

If you don’t want to rave then you can listen to two incredible chefs. Ukrainian, Olia Hercules, author of Mamushka, and Russian, Alissa Timoshkina, author of Salt & Time, in conversation at Layla Bakery on Tuesday the 8th of March, as they discuss Ukrainian and Russian food culture. An amazing reminder that the actions of the few in power do not reflect the sentiments of the masses. The in-person tickets have sold out but you can still watch the live stream via Instagram and donate via JustGiving.

Local communities and businesses are coming out with new fundraising events all the time. Keep an eye out to find what fundraising events there are near you.

Host refugees

This is by no means something that everyone will be able to do, but if you are in a position or know someone in a position to host Ukrainians who have fled the country then there is a charity called UkraineNow. Through them, you can supply your details and provide a safe place for a refugee in need.

This definitely isn’t an exhaustive list of ways that we can all help but we hope you find it useful as a place to start.

The news is dark right now so make sure that you’re looking after yourself and your mental health.

If you have any other ideas or charities to shout out in support of Ukraine then drop us a line in the comments below.

Peace and love,

Nonchalant xx

Last Updated on 30th November 2022 by Nonchalant Magazine