PLEASE help our friends in UKRAINE!!

It’s been a few months since this outrageous Russian invasion of Ukraine began and the terrible war rages on, with so many lives ended or horribly disrupted by Putin’s immoral attempt to wipe a country and its people off the map.

Thankfully, our friends from Kyiv – Alex & Maria and Ibra – are still safe. They are weathering the war as best they can, taking each day as it comes while ensuring their families are protected.

The money we all raised for them – nearly NZ$4500 – has been incredibly helpful since their livelihoods were thrown into disarray when they were forced to leave Kyiv. Frustratingly, it took a while to get all the money to them because NZ banks are understandably wary of money being sent to Ukraine ending up in the wrong hands – i.e. Russians. But after a bit of trial and error, we got the money to them and it has helped immensely. So thank you all so much!

Our friends would also like to thank you all for heeding the call to help people in a far off land whom you don’t know, but kind-heartedly and generously felt empathy for. It’s acts of kindness and generosity that make all the difference when the world is being torn apart by an evil abuse of power – a sentiment that will see Ukraine and its people prevail in one form or another against the enemy.

Alex & Maria Glushenko: “We are so grateful for your empathy, moral and financial support despite the thousands of kilometres between us. It is valuable to feel the care of people from all over the world in this difficult time for us and our country. God bless you!”

Ibra Na: “To Barney & Kate and all friends from New Zealand, thank you all for your donation to us at this hard time. I have received the money and it helped me and my family. Much love to you and all respect.”

There is no end in sight for this horrible war. Putin insists he’s only just begun, and it seems clear his intentions are to annex large swaths of Ukrainian territory, which will impact Ukrainian lives not just now but for generations to come. The West has rallied in support of Ukraine and Ukrainians, though there is so much more we could be doing. Please don’t tire of hearing about the war, as dreadful as it all is. The country and its people continue to need our help and support. We must keep in mind the power of unity and empathy to achieve peace – peace on Ukrainian terms, not Putin’s. Please continue to help them whenever and wherever you can. Peace and freedom and democracy are the cornerstones of a dignified life. Glory to Ukraine!!!