Ukraine invasion

[Thunderfoot]

With the amount of potential misinformation that's been flying about, it's been difficult to determine how best one can support the Ukrainian people without getting caught in opportunists' scams. I've seen that they're selling war bonds, but my opinions on the stock market conflict with my willingness to engage in that space.
And I am 100% in no position to contribute physically.

The best way to ensure you aren't being scammed is to contact an agency that does aid directly, or contact USAID.gov and ask them to direct you to a legitmate agency. The Red Cross is usually a good place to start, and several religious relief organizations are looking to help. Also you could contact the Ukrainian Consulate, they should also be able to direct you. Blindly going to a website, especially right now, may be a bad call.

 

[Guest 7034872]

With the amount of potential misinformation that's been flying about, it's been difficult to determine how best one can support the Ukrainian people without getting caught in opportunists' scams.

There are a lot of those right now. Folks should be very careful to research any organization to which they might give money.

 

[Umbran]

With the amount of potential misinformation that's been flying about, it's been difficult to determine how best one can support the Ukrainian people without getting caught in opportunists' scams.

Searching for the "best" way can get in the way of contributing. There are some solid standards that can be depended on to not be scams:

• International Committee of the Red Cross - Ukraine Crisis
• UNHCR United Nations Refugee Committee - Ukraine Emergency
• Save the Children - Ukraine Crisis
• Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres - Ukraine

 

[Snarf Zagyg]

In addition to what @Umbran said which are highly recommended, and the links provided in the prior post, I would look at some of the following-

Ukraine Specific*
Ukrainian Red Cross. Donate.
Voices of the Children. Donate.
Razom for Ukraine. Donate.

Rapid Humanitarian Aid via Czech Republic
People in Need. Donate.


There are numerous other ways to assist; obviously, only go through reputable charities.

In addition, the United Nations has announced a Flash Appeal for $1.7 Billion to help cope with growing humanitarian crisis.
Donate here.

In addition, further displays of public support are always good. In almost every place you are reading this, there is likely a protest- join it.


*I would note that given the situation, the advantage of direct donations to the people in the area might be somewhat contradicted by the inability of those there to take advantage of them.

 

[BrokenTwin]

Searching for the "best" way can get in the way of contributing. There are some solid standards that can be depended on to not be scams:

That is a very valid point. Perfect is the enemy of good.

 

[Aeson]

Would donating blood be an option for some? Your blood might not go to Ukraine, but it might replace some that has. I picture them daisy chaining it. Closer countries supplies going to Ukraine with further countries replacing theirs.

 

[Thunderfoot]

Would donating blood be an option for some? Your blood might not go to Ukraine, but it might replace some that has. I picture them daisy chaining it. Closer countries supplies going to Ukraine with further countries replacing theirs.

If you are in Europe, there is a very good chance. If you are in North America, then probably not. Blood very, very, rarely crosses the sea due to a myriad of medical reasons. There are exceptions but those usually revolve around military medical supplies.

A good example is the mad cow epidemic of the 90s. I still can't give blood to the American Red Cross because I was stationed in Europe in the 90s.

 

[Umbran]

Would donating blood be an option for some? Your blood might not go to Ukraine, but it might replace some that has. I picture them daisy chaining it. Closer countries supplies going to Ukraine with further countries replacing theirs.

For Americans, I doubt it. I don't see the Red Cross shipping blood overseas to cover supply. Especially when blood supplies in the USA are generally low now.

 

[BrokenTwin]

Would donating blood be an option for some? Your blood might not go to Ukraine, but it might replace some that has. I picture them daisy chaining it. Closer countries supplies going to Ukraine with further countries replacing theirs.

Since a lot of areas around the world have low blood supplies, I don't imagine donating blood in a far-from-Ukraine location would have the ripple effect you would hope for.

Having said that, donating blood if you can is an excellent idea regardless. Even if it doesn't help Ukrainians, you're still helping other people survive things that would otherwise be fatal without the donation.

 

[Thunderfoot]

For Americans, I doubt it. I don't see the Red Cross shipping blood overseas to cover supply. Especially when blood supplies in the USA are generally low now.

True they're still trying to catch up from.. in order, the pandemic, the western wildfires, the easter floods, the flooding of the west, the winter tornados...