FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — As the war between Russia and Ukraine continues into the winter months, a group in Fayetteville is continuing to provide aid from afar.
What You Need To Know
- Ukrainian Efforts is a grassroots organization based in Fayetteville
- The founders are from Ukraine
- Volunteers have sent nearly $1 million in humanitarian aid to civilians and soldiers in Ukraine
Ukrainian Efforts is a grassroots organization made up of volunteers from Ukraine, Russia and North Carolina.
Since February, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the group has been finding ways to supply civilians and soldiers with humanitarian aid.
Dmitry Sorydkin, who's family is fighting on the grounds in his home country, says he needed to find a way to help his people.
"I have a sister who lives there, a lot of niece and nephews. My nephew is actually fighting in Ukraine in the front and my sister’s husband is fighting as well for Ukraine," Sorydkin said.
From baby supplies to military gear, they have sent about 15 different shipments, equating to nearly $1 million dollars.
“It’s my people, they’re people going through this. It’s in my heart and that's the least I can do to help them out," Sorydkin said.
Alena Barosa was born and raised in Sibera, Russia, but her closest friends are from Ukraine.
"We have to do something, so instead of thinking and praying, we decided to do something. We got involved in the community, we attended the protests in downtown Fayetteville. Since then, we decided to organize," Barosa said.
Barosa runs the group's social media and counts inventory of the shipments they are sending out.
"Our shipments include anything and everything. Our most frightening request was rape kits," Barosa said.
Barosa says they keep track of the people in Ukraine who are receiving the items.
“When people say you’re too small to make a difference, we don’t think so. We think we make a difference,” Barosa said.
The group is now asking for warm winter clothing donations as well as working to supply demining equipment to a unit in Kharkiv by finding a corporate partner.
They are also looking to add more volunteers, whether local or remote. You can find out how to help by clicking here.