Hope in Ukraine
by Shaylee Remington
We all know how scary the world is right now. Everything seems reckless, and disastrous. Words can’t describe how worried the world is right now. There are a lot of bad things happening, but what if I told you there were good things happening?
Some good news is that video game developers are raising money for Ukrainians. Fortnite developers Epic Games announced that all the proceeds would go to a variety of organizations providing aid and relief to Ukraine—and on the first day they raised $36 million, growing to $144 million in two weeks. Epic has said that the money will go to Direct Relief, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the World Food Program. Microsoft (the creators of the Xbox); League of Legends developer Riot Games; and the Humble Bundle, a company that organizes themed collections of various games at a discount price to help charities, have all announced donations. Net proceeds of those recent sales—totaling more than $26 million—will also go toward Ukrainian relief.
Mothers are helping refugee mothers. Now at Przemyśl Station, women, children, and infants fleeing the war are being welcomed by mountains of clothes, stuffed animals, strollers, diapers, and more after they step off the train. ABC reports that the number of spare carriers and strollers from Polish mothers have been particularly inspiring. Many donors have left handwritten notes behind, with words of support and comfort.
Airbnb.org has announced it will offer free, short-term housing to up to 100,000 refugees escaping Ukraine. Airbnb’s co-founders have already sent letters to leaders across Europe, starting with those in Poland, Germany, Hungary, and Romania—offering support in welcoming refugees within their borders, and promising to work closely with governments to best support the specific needs in each country, including by providing longer-term stays. Last month, people provided housing for 21,300 Afghan refugees.
Owners of a nature resort in British Columbia have put renovations on hold to open up 81-acres of property exclusively for housing Ukrainian refugees. The owners are housing dozens right now, & have a goal of hosting 100. And, wow. The 15,000 square-foot resort, which they were renovating into an event space and gallery, is nestled into a beautiful pine forest and surrounded by a crystal clear lake. The Holowaychuks decided to even reverse some of the work, in order to ensure a livable space for as many people as possible. They’ve renamed their Grouse Nest property “Ukrainian Safe Haven”, and are now leasing the property for $1 a year to a new organization which a local law firm, McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson, helped format into a 501(c)3 nonprofit free of charge.
A former UK Royal Marine has loaded a 16-seater minibus with sleeping bags, pillows, and toys for refugees moving across the Ukrainian border into Poland, and pledged to drive 1,000 miles to personally deliver them. 31-year-old Tom Littledyke from Lyme Regis began his journey on February 28th, saying he was inspired to act after seeing pictures of “families broken and separated by the conflict.” (Corbley) He drove through England, France, Germany, and Poland. This is one of the many good Samaritans that want to help.
Even though everything seems dark, flashlights will always shine, lamps will always be flickered on, and eventually we can find the light switch. People are always there to help. We can always find light in the darkness, there is always hope.
We all know how scary the world is right now. Everything seems reckless, and disastrous. Words can’t describe how worried the world is right now. There are a lot of bad things happening, but what if I told you there were good things happening?
Some good news is that video game developers are raising money for Ukrainians. Fortnite developers Epic Games announced that all the proceeds would go to a variety of organizations providing aid and relief to Ukraine—and on the first day they raised $36 million, growing to $144 million in two weeks. Epic has said that the money will go to Direct Relief, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the World Food Program. Microsoft (the creators of the Xbox); League of Legends developer Riot Games; and the Humble Bundle, a company that organizes themed collections of various games at a discount price to help charities, have all announced donations. Net proceeds of those recent sales—totaling more than $26 million—will also go toward Ukrainian relief.
Mothers are helping refugee mothers. Now at Przemyśl Station, women, children, and infants fleeing the war are being welcomed by mountains of clothes, stuffed animals, strollers, diapers, and more after they step off the train. ABC reports that the number of spare carriers and strollers from Polish mothers have been particularly inspiring. Many donors have left handwritten notes behind, with words of support and comfort.
Airbnb.org has announced it will offer free, short-term housing to up to 100,000 refugees escaping Ukraine. Airbnb’s co-founders have already sent letters to leaders across Europe, starting with those in Poland, Germany, Hungary, and Romania—offering support in welcoming refugees within their borders, and promising to work closely with governments to best support the specific needs in each country, including by providing longer-term stays. Last month, people provided housing for 21,300 Afghan refugees.
Owners of a nature resort in British Columbia have put renovations on hold to open up 81-acres of property exclusively for housing Ukrainian refugees. The owners are housing dozens right now, & have a goal of hosting 100. And, wow. The 15,000 square-foot resort, which they were renovating into an event space and gallery, is nestled into a beautiful pine forest and surrounded by a crystal clear lake. The Holowaychuks decided to even reverse some of the work, in order to ensure a livable space for as many people as possible. They’ve renamed their Grouse Nest property “Ukrainian Safe Haven”, and are now leasing the property for $1 a year to a new organization which a local law firm, McConnan Bion O’Connor & Peterson, helped format into a 501(c)3 nonprofit free of charge.
A former UK Royal Marine has loaded a 16-seater minibus with sleeping bags, pillows, and toys for refugees moving across the Ukrainian border into Poland, and pledged to drive 1,000 miles to personally deliver them. 31-year-old Tom Littledyke from Lyme Regis began his journey on February 28th, saying he was inspired to act after seeing pictures of “families broken and separated by the conflict.” (Corbley) He drove through England, France, Germany, and Poland. This is one of the many good Samaritans that want to help.
Even though everything seems dark, flashlights will always shine, lamps will always be flickered on, and eventually we can find the light switch. People are always there to help. We can always find light in the darkness, there is always hope.