What is this all about Charly & Igor?
We are two friends, Charlotte and Igor, who have decided to #fight in a Muay Thai competition in July in New York City in each of our respective levels and weight categories.  This is our first fight with the aim to collect money for the refugees in Ukraine along the way. It is our mission to help refugees from Ukraine with a fighting chance providing aid where they most need it.  

What is happening in Ukraine?
Over 4000 civilians have been reported killed in the Russian attacks. Approximately 6.5 million people have reportedly been displaced within the country and over 4 million have been forced to flee into neighboring Moldova, Poland and other European states. Most are women and childen.

Public infrastructure has also been destroyed, meaning thousands of people are without adequate water, heat and electricity, or are unable to reach stores to buy basic necessities because roads and bridges are unpassable. Health facilities, including a maternity and children's hospital, have also been damaged during the invasion—another grave breach of international humanitarian law.

As the military invasion in Ukraine further escalates, millions of people are facing a serious humanitarian crisis and are in need of urgent assistance.

Together, we can support communities impacted by this devastating violence and the regions open to helping displaced people.

Througout the process we want to keep on creating awarness for the situation in Ukraine and hope to get as much financial support along the way as possible to help the people in Ukraine.

What is your motivation?
Igor
Having been through a war myself in the 90's in Bosnia & Herzegovina, I feel for the Ukranian people having to go through the same hell in 2022. During times of war, their ability to get the basic needs will be entirely dependent on people providing aid through organizations like IRC. I have seen small efforts by many create large changes, giving refugees the support they need to have food, saftey and shelter. This is a cause that makes it worth fighting for.

Charlotte
Like many of us, the people of Ukraine are on my mind constantly. I cannot imagine how it must feel for them right now. My thoughts especially go to the mothers who have to stay strong in unhuman circumstances not only for themself but also for their children. They are the fire for me to keep on striving to do the things in my power to help. The fight Igor and I are doing for the refugees from Ukraine, was our attempt to contribute something in this terrible situation for the people in Ukraine.

How is the International Rescue Committe Involved?
For almost 90 years, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been responding to the world’s worst humanitarian crises. When a new crisis strikes, the IRC’s emergency team swiftly activates to determine the most effective way to reach people in need.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has launched an emergency appeal to help support displaced families with critical aid.

In Ukraine, IRC is working with local partners to support the evacuation of women and children, and provide critical information and psychological support, as well as blankets, sleeping bags and warm clothes to people who have been displaced. We are also providing cash so people in need can purchase what they need the most.

In Poland, IRC is on the ground and working through our partners there to provide legal counseling, translation services and psychological support to some of the over 3 million people who have arrived from Ukraine. IRC is also distributing medical supplies and procuring essential items such as sleeping bags and blankets for distribution at reception centers on the Ukrainian/Polish border

Even before the attacks on Ukraine, the world had been facing unprecedented humanitarian needs. A record 82 million people around the world have been uprooted by crises. Some 41 million people in 43 countries are on the brink of famine. Wars around the world are lasting longer and becoming more complex, with civilians paying the price.

For more info on how the IRC provides AID and knows where people need it the most see: https://www.rescue.org/article/how-does-irc-respond-emergency-ukraine

How can I contribute / donate?
Right here on JustGiving. It is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Alternatively: 
Venmo: @IgorKostic

You can donate offline as well or through A direct bank transfer. Just send Charly or I a note and we will provide the details. 

Companies:
If you represent an organization that would like to sponsor, please reach out. We are planning to have placements on the t-shirts that we will be using to enter the venue/ ring on which your Logo can be printed. 

Way's to follow the journey to the fight 
Will be posting updates here on the page on a regular basis. If you have social media, there will be updates on weight / training / preparing events and more through the bottom pages:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/igor.kostic.11/?hl=en 
#fightforrefugees #fightwithcharly #fightwithigor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/igor.kostic.98

Where is the Fight and how can I watch it? 
The fight will be held end of July with an organization called Warriors Cup - it will be in New York at a location to be determined.
Both Charly and Igor are at this moment being matched up with opponents and as soon as marketing is available we will be releasing this. There will be an option to buy tickets and join the event or even order a pay-per-view so you can watch from the comfort of your home. 

Thank you so much for supporting us throughout our journey! 

Igor & Charlotte