“Stay Warm” Fundraiser to Buy Generators, Power Stations, Power Banks, and Small Portable Stoves for Ukraine

It has been heartbreaking to watch events unfold in Ukraine since February 2022.

I'll never forget the two years I spent serving as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. From seeing Kyiv and standing in Independence Square for the first time, to living with a host family in Zvenyhorodka during training, to saying good luck to the other volunteers as we went our own ways to our new homes, and finally, to making Vinnytsia my home, it was filled with life-changing experiences. I am forever grateful for the experience and the friendships I made – some of which I maintain to this day.

Having served as a Peace Corps Ukraine Volunteer, I have friends in the country who know where help is needed most. Seeing the suffering in Ukraine, I needed to take action. I contacted my friend and Peace Corps groupmate who started Ukrainian Action, a 501c3 dedicated to helping the people of Ukraine, about starting my own fundraiser through his organization. He got me set up with my own donation website and sent me on my way with a “Slava Ukraini” – Glory to Ukraine.

I started the Ukrainian Action Stay Warm fundraiser on Thanksgiving Day 2022. My intention was to send two generators to Ukraine to help people get through the winter. My goal was to help where I could, no matter how small. I wanted to be able to look in the mirror at the end of this war and know that I at least tried to help.

As Margaret Mead said, "Never Underestimate the Power of a Small Group of Committed People to Change the World. In Fact, It is The Only Thing That Ever Has." You've helped to change the world of so many Ukrainians in need.

As of November 2023, we have raised over $13,000 and provided 11 generators and 4 power stations to the people of Ukraine because of your generosity. We have helped people heat their homes, power water heaters, and provide electricity. We have helped schools, an orphanage, a kindergarten, former volunteer host families, local communities, and ordinary people going through an extraordinary time.

Over that same time, we learned of a need for power banks and small portable stoves. With rolling blackouts and missile strikes against energy infrastructure, it is important to have access to electricity and the ability to cook food when there is no power in the home. Because of this, we have added power banks and small portable stoves to our fundraiser objectives.

Please consider my fundraiser if you’re looking to make an impact in Ukraine but aren’t sure how. No donation is too small. To see your donations in action, follow me on LinkedIn @andrew-hamilton-cpa for pictures, videos, and updates.

Together, as a small group of committed people, we will continue to make a difference.

Slava Ukraini,

Andrew

Ukrainian Action is a 501c3 and may be eligible for matching gifts at your company. Please write “Stay Warm” in the comments for gifts to be applied to this fundraiser