When it comes to donating to help Ukrainian refugees, UNICEF and Direct Relief are getting a ton of buzz. But there are also tons of incredible, lesser-known organizations and agencies dedicated to helping out. Below, find 4 groups with boots on the ground that could use your donation.
The heartbreaking situation in Ukraine is on everyone’s minds - including ours. Our mission is to help people better their bodies and minds in order to help them reach their maximum potential, which means we’re here to help when there’s a crisis. In addition to charity matching our employees, we’re spreading the word on effective, vetted organizations that are doing good work on the ground in Ukraine. Below, find 4 organizations where your donation will be well-spent.
Together Rising
Author and humanitarian Glennon Doyle founded this organization, which “transforms collective heartbreak into effective action.” Together Rising is known for their incredible community, which quickly raised over $1 million for 7 well-vetted “boots-on-the-ground partners” in Ukraine like Vostok SOS, which provides critical aid and resettlement, Fundacja Ocalenie, helping BIPOC students cross the border, OutRight, providing support for LGBTQ Ukrainians, and 4 others.
World Central Kitchen
According to their website:
“Working at a 24-hour pedestrian border crossing in southern Poland, WCK began serving hot, nourishing meals immediately. Now, we've expanded our efforts to serve people across the region in Romania, Moldova, and Hungary. WCK is also partnering with restaurants inside of Ukraine to get hot meals to anyone in need.”
This organization believes “food is a human right,” and we are all for it.
Heart to Heart International
This organization works to “[ensure] quality care is provided equitably in medically under-resourced communities and in disaster situations.” So far, HTHI has sent 50 pallets of medicine and medical supplies and over 28,000 hygiene kits to Poland for Ukrainians in need.
UNHCR
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, or UNHCR, is vetted by longtime humanitarian and actress Angelina Jolie, who works closely with them. They are, “mandated to aid and protect refugees, forcibly displaced communities, and stateless people, and to assist in their voluntary repatriation, local integration or resettlement to a third country.” Their dedicated team is helping to protect the human rights of those who have been displaced.
Found an organization you love? Share it on Instagram and tag @beam to let us know.
by Samantha Colicchio
