• A few words from Alina

Hello, my name is Alina Yakovlieva, and I am from Ukraine. I currently live in Melbourne, Australia and while it might seem like my life here is fantastic, my world has collapsed on February 24, 2022.

February 24, 2022 - this date will now mark the start of Russia's war against Ukraine and its people in history books. On this day, my family and friends woke up at 5 am with the sounds of bombs and shootings across the entire country. The Russian army attacked every city, affecting 43M people. From this day, the lives of Ukrainians will never be the same.

My family and friends and the entire population of Ukraine are living through each day as if it's their last one. Horrified, some have found shelter in their basements, while others found out where the closest bomb shelters are. Some have stayed in their houses and apartments praying for no missile to hit them, while others sleep in underground stations. Some have lost their homes, while others lost their friends and family members. Some have lost their parents, while others have gone through the worst possible loss of seeing their children die. Some have fled to seek asylum in other countries, while others are afraid to leave their homes and cities because they might get killed on their way. Some can drive to cross the borders, while others walk 40km on foot. Some are almost starving at their homes or in the border crossings lines.

Today Ukrainians are united as never before. Our heroes are bravely defending their land and homes. They are praying that the world will also unite and make a huge leap for the peace in our country. Today is the day you can truly make a difference and let their prayers be heard!

• FUNDRAISER: 

I am opening this fundraiser to help those needing urgent financial aid, including but not limited to my family, relatives, community and friends. I guarantee that your contribution will be used to help the people and verified organisations that I know and trust.

Your donations will be used to fund immediate emergency and ongoing needs to support:

• to buy food, clothes, medical supplies and other necessities for my family, relatives, community and friends.
• genuine people and verified organisations I know and trust, helping refugees crossing the borders, buying medical supplies for children and wounded at the hospitals, purchasing clothes and other necessities for civilians who have decided to defend their country, etc.
• if necessary help some of my family, relatives and acquaintances leave the country (when or if they can escape) and have some means of life abroad. 

Please donate and help make a difference today.

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• For humanitarian support to Red Cross, you can go here if you are from Australia or here if you are from other parts of the world
• You can also Donate for humanitarian assistance of affected Ukrainians to the National Bank of Ukraine