How to help Ukraine and Ukrainian refugees from Charlotte amid invasion by Russia
Stories and images of Ukrainian people struggling to stay safe and care for themselves and their families amid Russia’s invasion of their country have been moving and have moved many to want to take action.
People still in Ukraine as well as those that have fled to other countries as refugees are in need of assistance as the war continues. Whether you’re looking for a reputable charity to donate to or a fundraiser to attend, there are plenty of options on a local, national and even international scale for making a difference.
Here are some ways to support Ukraine all the way from Charlotte:
Charities to help Ukraine
Many local, national and international groups are taking donations to help Ukraine, including:
The GLOW Mission, a Kannapolis-based organization, helps Ukrainian orphans and Ukrainians aged out of the orphanage system. Donations can be made at glowmission.org.
Baptists on Mission, a North Carolina-based charity, is taking donations to fund the purchase of non-perishable food, toiletries, sleeping bags, mattresses, blankets and more to send to partner organizations in Ukraine that are providing temporary housing to those displaced by the war. You can donate online at baptistsonmission.org/ukraine-crisis/donations or send a check to Baptists on Mission, P. O. Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Memo: Ukraine Crisis.
Feed The Hunger, a North Carolina-based organization, works with partners around the world to provide food to children. They’re currently working with groups in Poland and Moldova to help feed those displaced by the conflict in Ukraine. Learn more about how to get involved at feedthehunger.org.
Samaritan’s Purse, another North Carolina-based charity, is on the ground in Ukraine helping with a field hospital and working with churches that are providing shelter and care to people affected by the war. Get more information on how to help at samaritanspurse.org/article/pray-for-the-crisis-in-ukraine.
Doctors Without Borders, which provides medical care across the world, is providing COVID treatment and prevention support, mental health care and more in Ukraine. You can donate to support their work at doctorswithoutborders.org/what-we-do/countries/ukraine.
UNHCR, also known as The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or the UN Refugee Agency, is one of the main groups coordinating care for those fleeing the war in Ukraine. You can get more information on donating at give.unrefugees.org.
Save the Children, which provides aid to young people affected by violence and disaster throughout the world, has launched a Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund to help their work getting food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and more to children and families in Ukraine and neighboring countries. You can give at savethechildren.org.
Fundraisers for Ukraine in Charlotte
You can even show support for Ukraine by heading out for burgers, beers, pizza and more at some of your favorite local spots.
Barcelona Burger Bar and Aliño Pizzeria will both hold fundraisers this week to raise funds for World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit founded by celebrity chef Chef José Andrés that provides warm meals for refugees, including those in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Both will donate all revenue and match the total amount in sales from the fundraising period.
And Brewers at 4001 Yancey will donate $3 from every beer purchase this Thursday to the CARE Ukraine Crisis Fund, a group that’s sending food, water and hygiene kits to Ukraine.
How to avoid scams when donating to Ukraine
With all the chaos in Ukraine, it’s important to make sure your donation is going to a reputable group that will get it to the people who need it.
The Federal Trade Commission recommends doing your research on a charity before donating, including looking into their rating on platforms such as the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator and your state’s charity registry.
A simple Google search can also help, according to the FTC. “When you consider giving to a specific charity, search its name plus “complaint,” “review,” “rating,” or “scam,” the agency says.
The FTC also recommends making your donation through check or credit card rather than cash, gift card or wire transfer and keeping a record of your payment.
Is GoFundMe a safe way to help Ukraine?
Many are hesitant to give to online crowdsourcing campaigns, but one popular site says they’re taking extra steps to verify stories and where donations are going.
“Every fundraiser is reviewed to make sure that funds are delivered to the correct recipients,” GoFundMe says on its website. “We’re also verifying that donors and organizers are acting in compliance with US and international laws, including global financial laws and regulations and evolving economic sanctions.”
You can visit gofundme.com/c/act/donate-to-ukraine-relief to see the full list of verified fundraisers.
CharlotteFive and Raleigh News & Observer reporter Kimberly Cataudella contributed to the reporting of this story.
This story was originally published March 8, 2022 at 6:00 AM.
