Changing the world one random act of kindness at a time.

Random Acts

Changing the world one random act of kindness at a time!

Kindness for Vulnerable Civilians in Ukraine
When the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine intensified in 2022, civilians fled their homes to escape Putin’s military attacks. But for Ukrainians with disabilities and other vulnerabilities, escape has not been easily accessible. GISH, the Legacy of War Foundation, and Random Acts have partnered up to provide wheelchairs, accessibility equipment, and other support to help Ukrainians with disabilities safely evacuate.

Kindness for Vulnerable Civilians in Ukraine: How It Started

Random Acts, in partnership with GISH and the Legacy of War Foundation, has been raising funds to provide wheelchairs and support for disabled Ukrainians to safely evacuate the war-torn country.

The humanitarian crisis in Ukraine gained global attention in early 2022. Putin’s armies attacked civilians, displacing over 10 million people. Many sheltered in public transportation stations, escaped into bomb shelters, and sought refuge in nearby countries. These options are not easily accessible for those with disabilities and other vulnerabilities. The 2.7 million Ukrainians with documented disabilities were left to decide between evacuating without their medical equipment or remaining in Ukraine and hoping for the best.

Funds raised through this initiative are used for more than just buying and transporting wheelchairs. Local organizations have better experience supporting their communities on the ground. By providing spare parts and supplies to these grassroots organizations, the wheelchairs and other equipment can be used and repaired for years to come. Funds raised have also gone toward purchasing an adaptive vehicle to assist with evacuations and providing accessible accommodations for those who have fled Ukraine. 

Along with donations of wheelchairs and other accessibility equipment, any more funds raised will be used to develop sustainable long-term support for Ukraine’s vulnerable communities.

Giles Duley and Misha Collins on Helping Vulnerable Civilians in Ukraine

https://donorbox.org/ukraine-crisis-fundraiser
https://www.legacyofwarfoundation.com/ukrainecrisis

How It’s Going:

In August 2022, the Random Acts, GISH, and Legacy of War crowdfunding campaign raised over $200,000 in support of two crucial projects: emergency shelters and a disability hub.

  • Emergency Shelters for Women and LGBTQIA+: Working with local partners Insight and Marsh Zhinok (Women’s March), two specialized shelters will continue to provide temporary care, food, and psychological support to 500 women and LGBTQIA+ individuals, plus their children, for 3 weeks at a time.
  • Disability Hub: Legacy of War assists a network of partner organizations with distributing specialist medical equipment and supplies to Ukrainian hospitals and those who need it most. 

November 2022: The Change A Life ambulance team rescued a paralyzed 87-year-old grandmother. While transporting her and her family safely, the team also delivered necessary supplies and aid. Thanks to funds from Change a Life and other sources, they are working on acquiring another ambulance.

“Your support means a lot. Not only for us, but for the people we’re helping… The funds you have raised for us will help us overcome difficulties in the face of a harsh winter in Ukraine.”

Olena Shevchenko (Insight/Women’s March)

Photos on this page provided courtesy of Giles Duley and Legacy of War