On Thursday, February 24, Russia officially began their invasion of Ukraine, displacing an estimate of one million Ukrainian refugees in just one week following the event. As the world watches the continuing crisis, an outpouring of support has been shown by charity organizations and political support groups that are collecting donations or communicating with elected officials, and local businesses and organizations have been working to raise the funds they can. Here are some organizations with roots in the DC area – plus some international ones – that have stepped up in support of the Ukrainian community.
World Central Kitchen
DC chef Jose Andres started this organization in 2010, when he found himself cooking for Haitians who had been impacted by the hurricane. Since then, WCK has been supplying meals to those impacted by disasters and crises. In the midst of the crisis in Ukraine, WCK is stationed at eight border crossing points in Poland, as well as in areas throughout six additional countries in the area. In addition, the organization is collaborating with local restaurants in cities within Ukraine, so they can serve hot, nutritious meals to the refugees and those who chose to remain within the country.
Ukrainian National Information Service
As the DC bureau of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, the UNIS helps represent the Ukrainian community in America by helping them get in contact with their elected officials. Since the Russian invasion, the UNIS has been organizing rallies near the White House on behalf of the Ukrainian community.
Arlington Sister City Association
Arlington County officially declared the Ukrainian city Ivano-Frankivsk one of their sister cities in 2011, establishing a relationship with the city that encouraged “exchanges in education, commerce, culture, and the arts.” On March 3, Arlington County passed a resolution declaring their support of Ivano-Frankivsk and all of Ukraine. In solidarity, the Ballston Quarter Pedestrian Bridge has been lit up in the national colors of Ukraine, blue and yellow, and the ASCA is encouraging people to donate to organizations that are offering humanitarian aid.
Dacha Beer Garden
This beer garden in the Shaw neighborhood of DC has multiple Ukrainian staff members, and they’re working to raise money for various humanitarian efforts through fundraising events like an art raffle, or by donating a certain dollar amount per beer sold. On March 3, the bar announced on their Twitter that they had already raised over $7,500 and they intended to continue raising money.
Bakers Against Racism
This DC-based organization encourages people across the US to host bake sales to fundraise for social justice oriented causes. As of February 26, Paola Velez, co-founder of BAR, launched the hashtag #BakersforUkraine, encouraging her followers to fundraise for humanitarian aid groups for Ukraine. Bakers are able to choose the specific organizations to donate to, but the announcement of the fundraising initiative suggested the World Central Kitchen and Sunflower of Peace.
Feature image courtesy World Central Kitchen
For more stories like this, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
