It’s important to remember that in Ukraine, rockets don’t choose where to fall, so the wounds of civilians and soldiers are the same. As we enter day 83 of the war that should have never happened, we are eager to share how your generous donations to Razom help save lives in Ukraine.
Dear Razom community,
To date, there have been over 300 events hosted worldwide benefiting Razom. At one point, GoFundMe had 91 fundraisers for Razom live on its platform. Today, we’ve had over 120,000 donors support our work, with the average donation being under $300 and the largest single donation being $1M. That means that tens of thousands of you took individual action to help Ukraine. We know we have yet to acknowledge and sincerely thank every one of you, but we promise to get there soon! In the meantime, Razom continues to focus on converting all of those generous donations into something that saves lives as fast as possible. The following are some highlights of that work:
Here is a screenshot of a testimonial sent to one of our TacMed Team leaders, Tonya, from a doctor at a Chernivtsi Emergency Hospital where a lot of wounded (including children) are sent ->
To date, Razom has delivered 100 hospital grade wound vac machines across hospitals in Ukraine, and 220 more are on their way from Sweden right now! We’ve also procured 1,000 manual emergency wound vacs, plus dressings, that will be making their way to Ukraine in the next few weeks.
Below is a photo of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine (ДСНС) utilizing one of the civilian drones Razom procured and delivered to Kharkiv in their process of demining the city. Kharkiv is one of the most mined places in Ukraine (and the world) right now, slowing down reconstruction efforts and risking the lives of tens of thousands of people. Using drones to locate mines increases safety in the process and decreases the long hours it takes to do this work. Razom is working to deliver more of this tech enabled humanitarian aid in the right hands in Ukraine.
Given humanitarian needs change by the hour and come from multiple geographical points at the same time, Razom awards grants to grassroots initiatives in Ukraine who are responding quickly to the needs of civilians and internally displaced persons. The program has grown significantly in the past weeks:
Volonterska UA was awarded $30,000 to deliver food and medicines to the elderly and people with disabilities in Kharkiv. Their call center receives 1,000 calls daily and has built up a team that can process 300-350 requests per day.
Ukrainian Charity Alliance was awarded $16,000 to create and deliver over 780 kits of food essentials that have a long shelf life for civilians with low mobility in the Kharkiv region. They also provided humanitarian aid for shelters housing those that lost their homes in the bombing and occupation of regions surrounding Kharkiv. World-renowned poet, writer, native-Kharkivian, and Razom partner, Serhiy Zhadan visited some of those shelters to help deliver aid.
The Korsaks’ Museum of Ukrainian Modern Art in Lutsk was awarded $16,000 to help operate a shelter for evacuees and refugees in Ukraine. In April alone, they provided shelter for 12,983 IDPs, including 120 permanent residents (all 30 days) and 1,163 temporary residents (4 days on average). They converted a section of Adrenalin City (the local Lutsk mall) and adjacent hostel into a shelter filled with beautiful modern art from the museum founder’s personal collection. The group runs frequent art, craft, yoga, breathing, dancing, and performance art workshops for kids and adults, providing ample opportunity for IDPs to rehabilitate and recover.
The latest tally from our Hospitals Team is that an estimated $7.5M worth of in-kind donations of medicine and medical supplies have been made thanks to organizations like Americares, MedShare, Partners for World Health, Direct Relief, and companies like Figs and Cabinet Health. Razom has successfully delivered $3.7M worth of those donations to Ukraine.
For example this week, 2,000 IFAKs donated by Direct Relief arrived in Razom’s warehouse in Ukraine and are ready for distribution.
The team also sorted through 8 pallets of individual in-kind donations at our New Jersey warehouse and reconfigured 3 pallets of the most urgent supplies to ship to Ukraine asap.
Razom’s Head of Major & Transformational Gifts, Olena Nyzhnykevych, took to the keynote stage at KubeCon in Spain this week to talk about what Razom is, how we’ve grown, what we’re working on as we scale up, and educate the open source and cloud native community about what Ukraine is going through right now. There were 7,000 people in attendance in person and over 10,000 online.
After three years, the St. George Ukrainian Festival is back in NYC which means that the famous Razom yellow couch and Face Box are back too! Come join the Razom Lounge this Saturday and Sunday to learn all about our work in delivering aid and advocacy, pack some IFAKs, participate in an art workshop, and be together. Before we open up the Lounge though, we’ll be marching on the Brooklyn Bridge. Join us for the “Live Chain for Ukraine” on Saturday 5/21 at 12pm on theManhattan or Brooklyn side of the bridge and meet in the middle. Spread the word, we will need a lot of people to make this a powerful event!
If you can’t be in New York City this weekend, there are so many other events around the country (including virtually!) to look forward to:
On Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 at the Ukrainian Museum, Director and Producer Andrea Odezynska debuts her new feature-length environmental documentary, Return Sasyk to the Sea, which spotlights the destructive legacy Ukraine inherited as a former member of the Soviet Union. 6/10 tickets here and 6/11 here.
In Illinois: Today, May 20 at 6:30pm, theCobra Lounge in Chicago will host a benefit show titled “Punks For Ukraine” with all proceeds from ticket sales going to Razom.
In Connecticut: On May 21, a local group of runners in Cheshire, CT are hosting a 5K run/walk in their town to fundraise for Razom. Learn more info on how to join them or contribute to their GoFundMe page go here.
In California: On Sat, May 28, the Riviera Village on Redondo Beachwill have over 14 businesses donating 20% of their proceeds to Razom.
In Virginia: On June 24from 6-19pm the Beach Gallery in Virginia Beach is hostinga Hope for Ukraine Art Show & Silent Auction with all proceeds going to either Razom or the World Central Kitchen.
Thank you so much for your support and willingness to help Ukraine in such difficult times. So many of you are taking on efforts to support Razom and Ukraine that we are overwhelmed with requests, questions, and proposals. Our team of volunteers is up 24/7 working tirelessly to scale our efforts to provide what is needed in Ukraine, which can change hour by hour. Before reaching out to info@razomforukraine.org, review our Frequently Asked Questions below.
We can do this. Together!
Razom Team.
How can I send humanitarian aid packages to Ukraine?
Important! Razom is currently focused on shipping only the most urgently needed humanitarian aid that saves lives in Ukraine. This is tactical medicine and supplies, hospital supplies and equipment, and communication equipment (tech enabled emergency response). Razom is not delivering humanitarian aid in the form of clothing, food, toys, etc at the moment, but as the situation evolves we will update the community. We understand your wish to help asap but ask that you hold on to your packages of humanitarian aid (that doesn’t take the form of tacmed or hospital supplies), Ukraine will need it soon. Today the highest priority is life-saving medical aid. Thank you for understanding!
Here’s an official list of acceptable humanitarian aid from Razom. Large quantities of these supplies are accepted at our partners at Meest America with Razom covering the shipment cost. Every large shipment will require a properly filled out manifest.
If you want to donate tactical medicine off of this list for medics in the field in Ukraine, and you are in the US, please contact TacMedUSA@razomforukraine.org.
If you want to donate tactical medicine off of this list for medics in the field in Ukraine, and you are in Europe, please contact TacMedEU@razomforukraine.org.
Whom can I talk to about corporate funds and/or donation matching?
To discuss donation matching and/or large corporate, organization and funds grants & donations, please send your inquiries to donations@razomforukraine.org. There are upwards of 50 companies running matching programs with Razom today. You can find ways to donate to Razom, including all banking information and Razom EIN, on our Donate page.
Can I donate my time and volunteer with Razom?
Thank you for your desire to become a Razom volunteer, who are fundamental to Razom’s success and ability to make an impact in Ukraine. If you would like to become a volunteer, please fill out this form. Right now, we can’t promise to get back in touch with you immediately, but will email you as soon as we get a new volunteer request from our teams. That said, you don’t have to wait around for us to reach out to be able to support and make an impact for Ukraine:
Participate in informational efforts by advocating for Ukraine on your social media. Follow our Facebook, Instagram, Twitter accounts for the latest action items and subscribe to our newsletter to get the latest news on how you can advocate for Ukraine in your community and beyond.
Run a fundraiser on behalf of Razom or other organizations doing great work (you can find more here) and feel free to get as creative as you can. We’ve had people start personal fundraisers for Razom on social media, host benefit concerts, poetry readings, dinners, make tattoos, produce art, and more to get others involved in helping Ukraine. If you’d like to start a GoFundMe campaign, you can choose Razom as the recipient at their platform here. Email your questions about personal and small fundraisers for Razom to donations@razomforukraine.org.
How can I volunteer outside of the US? e.g. in Poland, Ukraine
Thank you for your willingness to help in this way! Razom operates out of the U.S. and Ukraine but with volunteers that span the globe. Given the major security risks our volunteers on the ground in Poland and Ukraine take every day, we are adding to those teams solely via our personal networks to ensure a trusted team. That said, you might find some helpful information on opportunities to volunteer abroad via these links below:
Information on planned rallies around the world can be found here. The list is crowdsourced – you can add information about a rally in your city or town to the list by completing a form on their website. If you don’t see any rallies nearby – consider organizing one, reach out to your local Ukrainian community, start a group on Facebook. Be proactive! Be creative!
Razom will regularly organize and promote rallies in the New York City area as well as rallies meant to bring people from all over the US together in Washington D.C. Just follow us on social media or subscribe to our newsletter to get alerts.
How does Razom spend its donation money?
Following russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Razom quickly mobilized an emergency response to save lives. Our priority is to provide critical humanitarian war relief and recovery depending on the most urgent needs as they evolve. Right now this means delivering humanitarian aid in the form of tactical medicine, hospital supplies, and communication equipment, as well as evacuating children with disabilities and their families, and advocacy. Razom maintains an admin rate of no more than 15% (historically averaged below 10%).
We are a US-based, registered 501c3 non-profit, started as a volunteer-driven organization founded after Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in 2014. You can learn more about Razom on various pages of this website: checkout our Annual Reports from the past eight years, our Board of Directors, our projects and partnerships. Following russia’s attack on Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Razom quickly mobilized its emergency response project to save lives. You can find regular updates on on our Updates page.
Do you help refugees?
We are aware of the large number of Ukrainians who fled or lost their homes as a result of the war. Razom is responding to this in a few ways:
Our advocacy team is spreading awareness about this part of the humanitarian crisis within the international community to make sure that governments are actively working to support refugees.
Razom volunteers from “Children, We Will Make It” (Діти, Ми Встигнемо) campaign are evacuating children with disabilities and their families to safer regions across Ukraine, and in some cases across the border to Poland. You can learn more about their work here.
We are supporting our long-time partners at BUR (Building Ukraine Together) who are helping internally displaced persons in Ukraine.
We have partnered with Ukrainian Jersey City to build out a project that will help displaced Ukrainians located in the Tristate area. For now, the team has created an informational resource for legal information which you can access here.
If you personally, or your organization, is willing to help displaced Ukrainians in a meaningful way, please fill out this form.
If you’re a Ukrainian migrant that needs help, fill out this form.
There are many other organizations, large and small, working in this area. Among them we recommend referencing the following resources:
If you haven’t found an answer to your question on this page, please write to info@razomforukraine.org with the subject “Read FAQ”. Allow us 48 hours to respond. Our resources are limited, but we are doing our best to follow up as fast as we can. Thank you for understanding!
ПОШИРЕНІ ЗАПИТАННЯ
Щиро дякуємо за підтримку та готовність допомогти Україні у такі важкі часи!
Ми надзвичайно перевантажені запитами. Наша команда волонтерів працює цілодобово, без вихідних, оскільки ми щогодини масштабуємо наші зусилля, щоб забезпечити те, що потрібно в Україні.
Через велику кількість повідомлень і запитів ми настійно рекомендуємо спершу шукати відповіді в цьому розділі «Поширені запитання».
Переможемо. Разом!
Команда Razom
Як я можу відправити гуманітарну/медичну допомогу?
Важливо! Наразі ми повністю зосереджені на найнагальнішій потребі в медичній допомозі – тактичні медзасоби та медзасоби і обладнання для українських лікарень. Наразі Razom (!) НЕ доставляє гуманітарну допомогу (таку як одяг, їжу, іграшки, тощо), коли ситуація змінеться, ми відразу сповістемо про це на наших каналах, як тільки почнемо збирати та доставляти гуманітарну допомогу. Ми розуміємо ваше бажання допомогти, але просимо вас притримати ваші пакети гуманітарної допомоги, бо вона дуже скоро знадобиться в Україні. Але сьогодні найвищим пріоритетом є медична допомога, яка рятує життя. Дякуємо за розуміння!
Наші партнери в Meest приймають наступні засобів першої допомоги та тактичного медичного забезпечення в великих обсягах, а Razom покриває відправлення – офіційний список необіхдної та прийнятної медичної допомоги (в великих кількостях)! Кожне велике відправлення вимагає правильно заповненого маніфесту.
Якщо ви хочете пожертвувати тактичну медицину для польових медиків і ви перебуваєте в США, пишіть на TacMedUSA@razomforukraine.org.
Якщо ви хочете пожертвувати тактичну медицину для польових медиків і ви перебуваєте в Європі, пишіть на TacMedEU@razomforukraine.org.
Для будь-яких пожертв для лікарень або з лікарень, будь ласка, зв’яжіться з нами за адресою hospitals@razomforukraine.org.
Куди писати щодо корпоративних грантів? Про donation matching?
Щодо великих пожертвувань та корпоративних, організаційних та фондових грантів, а також donation matching, будь ласка, надсилайте свої запити на donations@razomforukraine.org. На нашій сторінці Donate можна знайти всі способи пожертвування, включно із банківською інформацією та номером Razom EIN.
Чим я можу допомогти? Чи можу я стати волонтером у Razom?
Дякуємо за ваше бажання допомогти! Волонтери є основою успіху і здатності Razom допомагати Україні. Якщо ви хочете стати волонтером, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму. Наразі ми не можемо обіцяти, що зв’яжемося з вами негайно, і напишемо як тільки отримаємо нові запити на волонтерів від наших команд. Тим не менш, вам не потрібно чекати на нас, у вас вже є можливісті підтримати Україну вже сьогодні:
Беріть участь в інформаційних заходах, відстоюючи Україну в соціальних мережах. Слідкуйте за нашими Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, щоб дізнатися про останні ініціативи, а також підписуйтесь на нашу імейл розсилку, щоб отримувати останні новини про те, як ви можете відстоювати Україну у своїй громаді та за її межами;
Запустіть збір коштів від імені Razom або інших організацій, які роблять чудову роботу (докладніше ви можете знайти тут) і не соромтеся проявляти якомога більше креативності. Різні люди розпочинали особистий збір коштів для Razom у соціальних мережах, проводили благодійні концерти, читання віршів, вечорі, робили татуювання, створювали мистецтво тощо, все щоб залучити інших до допомоги Україні. Якщо ви хочете розпочати кампанію GoFundMe, ви можете вибрати Razom як одержувача на їхній платформі тут. Надсилайте свої запитання щодо особистих та малих фандрейзінгів для Razom на електронну адресу donations@razomforukraine.org.
Як я можу стати волонтером за межами США? напр. в Польщі
Дякуємо за вашу готовність допомогти! На жаль, зараз мизараз ми працюємо переважно зі Сполучених Штатів і зосереджені на доставці медичної та іншої терміново необхідної допомоги. Ми не можемо надати інформацію про точні можливості волонтерства за межами США, проте, можливо, ви можете знайти корисну інформацію та можливості за цими посиланнями або в інших організаціях:
Інформацію про всі заплановані мітинги можна знайти тут і перелік регулярно оновлюється. Ви можете додати інформацію про мітинг у вашому місті до списку, заповнивши форму на їхньому сайті. Якщо ви не знайшли мітингів поблизу – спробуйте організувати самі, зверніться до місцевої української громади, створіть групу у Facebook. Будьте ініціативними! Будьте креативними!
Razom буде регулярно організовувати та рекламувати мітинги в районі Нью-Йорка, а також мітинги, спрямовані на об’єднання людей з усіх куточків США у місті Вашингтон, округ Колумбія. Щоб отримувати сповіщення слідкуйте за нами в соціальних мережах або підписуйтесь на нашу електронну розсилку.
Як Razom витрачає зібрані кошти?
Після нападу Росії на Україну 24 лютого 2022 року проект Razom миттєво відреагував на надзвичайну ситуацію в Україні заради порятунку життя людей. Нашим пріоритетом є надання критичної гуманітарної допомоги найбільш нагальним потребам по мірі їх розвитку. Наразі це означає доставку гуманітарної допомоги у вигляді тактичної медицини, медичних товарів та засобів зв’язку, евакуацію дітей з обмеженими можливостями та їхніх сімей, а також підвищення обізнанності про війну в Україні. Razom підтримує адміністративні витрати не більше 15% (а історично, в середньому – нижче 10%).
Слідкуйте за нашим останніми новинами про розвиток і вплив нашого проекту та повний його огляд на нашій сторінці Razom Emergency Response.
Чи Разом є офіційно-зареєстрованою неприбутковою організацією?
Ми є зареєстрованою в США неприбутковою організацією зі статусом 501c3, заснованою у 2014 році після Революції Гідності. Ви можете дізнатися більше про Razom на різних сторінках нашого сайту: перевірьте звітність за минулі роки, познайомтесь з нашою радою, дізнайтесь більше про наші проекти та те, що вже було зроблено за 8 років. У зв’язку із загостренням надзвичайної та критичної ситуації в Україні, ми зараз працюємо над тим, щоб почати щоденні звіти на нашому акаунті, будь ласка, слідкуйте за оновленнями на нашій сторінці Updates.
Чи допомагаєте ви біженцям?
Ми знаємо про велику кількість українців, які втратили свої домівки внаслідок війни або змушені були покинути Україну. Razom реагує на це кількома способами:
Наша команда активістів поширює обізнаність про цей бік гуманітарної кризи серед міжнародної спільноти, щоб переконатися, що уряди країн світу активно працюють над підтримкою українських біженців.
Волонтери Razom з ініціативи “Children, We Will Make It” (Діти, ми встигнемо) евакуюють дітей з інвалідністю та їхні сім’ї до безпечних регіонів України, а в деяких випадках – за кордон, до Польщі. Детальніше про їхню роботу можна дізнатися тут.
Ми підтримуємо наших давніх партнерів БУР (Будуємо Україну разом), які допомагають переселенцям всередені України.
Ми об’єдналися з Ukrainian Jersey City, заради розробки проекту допомоги українським переселенцям у районі Tristate.
Якщо ви особисто або ваша організація бажаєте суттєво допомогти українським переселенцям, будь ласка, заповніть цю форму: https://forms.gle/sitAyYwaNQSjHPgBA.
Дякуємо за неймовірну підтримку України, українського народу та «Разом»!
Якщо ви не знайшли відповіді на своє конкретне запитання на цій сторінці, будь ласка, напишіть на електронну адресу: info@razomforukraine.org з темою “Read FAQ”.
Очікуйте відповідь впродовж 48 годин. Наші ресурси обмежені, але ми робимо все можливе. Дякуємо за розуміння!
Razom has significantly scaled and refined its operations in the past few weeks and we are so excited to share how the impact of that work and your donations grows. We’ve also been hard at work advocating for Ukraine in the US and ask for your support below. Each one of us can do something for Ukraine today, this weekend, and next week, so let’s get to it!
Dear Razom community,
Razom is always here, moving the needle to get us closer to Ukraine’s victory. The war is still ongoing and there is still a lot of work to be done now that we’re 70 days in. We need your support and we humbly share with you all that we’re able to accomplish thanks to your generosity . Let’s keep it up!
Three ambulances recently made it to Donbas to help care for the wounded on the front lines of the war there. These ambulances made their way from Wales in England to Donbas in partnership with the United Ukraine Foundation in the UK. Razom also helped outfit them with tourniquets, IFAKs, other important life-saving medicines, and 30 sets of uniforms to the firefighters of Kryvyi Rih.
Here’s the final tally of the work the TacMed Team at Razom accomplished in just one week (5/2/22 – 5/7/22):
Volunteers built and shipped 8,000+ IFAKs, potentially saving 8,000 or more limbs, or even lives. The approximate value of them is $600,000.
Volunteers built and shipped 40 fully loaded tactical medical backpacks
These included 20,000 packs of QuikClot Combat Gauze, which are top of the line and extremely hard to procure these days, but of course Razom TacMed team secured them!
It took 108 volunteers to get this much work done in one week. We when we say urgent, we’re not kidding! When we say #razom (“together”), we’re serious!
We also shipped out several pallets of medical supplies, and items such as sleeping bags, stretchers, splints, tourniquets, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, and burn treatment kits.
We started an initiative to include kids’ drawings, postcards, and letters packed into the IFAKs to encourage Ukrainian heroes. If you or your children would like to contribute in this way, please send to:
ENCOURAGE Ukraine 57 Beach Street, Suite 306 Staten Island, NY 10304
Meanwhile the Razom volunteers working at the warehouse across the ocean in Ukraine managed to distribute for shipment 40 orders of aid in onlyone day. To date, Razom has processed over 600 aid requests from hospitals, field hospitals, and territorial defense units across Ukraine.
So far this month, the MedGlobal team in collaboration with Razom and UMANA have trained over 150 doctors across 6 hospitals in Ukraine totaling 40 hours of trainings. All of the hospitals visited are receiving wounded civilians and military patients, some as many as 40 such patients per day. Training topics covered polytrauma, triage, FAST exam, blast injury, among others.
One of those butterfly ultrasounds that the MedGlobal team donated saved a life this month. It uncovered pneumothorax in a patient, something that’s not visible on an x-ray.
What’s one way you can advocate for Ukraine today?
Join us in support of a proposal to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for more disclosure about russian operations by US public companies. Razom signed the petition along with the Ukrainian-American Bar Association, Natalie Jaresko (former Finance Minister of Ukraine), and assistance from Andrii (Andrey) Galiuk from StopBusinessWithRussia initiative.
It’s simple – russian taxes are funding the war in Ukraine, and we need more transparency. The world is watching, Ukrainians are watching.
The Razom Advocacy Team is monitoring closely the advancement of the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act in the amount of $39 billion.
This is where we need your help!
The Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act will be up for a vote in the Senate soon and we want to make sure Senators know how their constituents – YOU – feel about passing the bill. Click here to find out why this bill is important and needs your support, and click here to find out how to call your Senators and what to say to them. Let’s help Ukraine win the war, together.
People around the world continue to be inspired by the perseverance and creativity of brave Ukraine and are coming together to do what they can to help. Below is a roundup of events that fundraise for specific causes for Ukraine or expose you to amazing Ukrainian art and culture.
In New York:
Today, Friday, May 13 at 7pm at the Ukrainian Museum, Yara artists will perform and read newest poems by Serhiy Zhadan directed by Virlana Tkacz. Serhiy Zhadan was born in Luhansk oblast of Ukraine and educated in Kharkiv where he lives today. He is the most popular poet of the post-independence generation in Ukraine, the author of twelve books of poetry that have earned him numerous national and European awards, and his charitable foundation has been a formal Razom partner for several years.
On Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 at the Ukrainian Museum, Director and Producer Andrea Odezynska debuts her new feature-length environmental documentary, Return Sasyk to the Sea, which spotlights the destructive legacy Ukraine inherited as a former member of the Soviet Union. 6/10 tickets here and 6/11 here.
Online: On May 17 DevOpsDays Ukraine (part of the global DevOpsDays family) is hosting a virtual conference benefiting Razom to to discuss DevOps during crisis, incident, and business continuity management and share Ukrainian DevOps expertise.
In Texas:This weekend Art of Peace, a group of Houstonians collaborating to help Ukrainian people, is hosting an art exhibition featuring 30 local artists with part of the proceeds benefiting Razom.
In Washington D.C.: On May 17 the US-Ukraine Foundation is hosting a fundraising event featuring Eurovision star, Roxolana, titled “Taking Back Z.”
In Connecticut: On May 21, a local group of runners in Cheshire, CT are hosting a 5K run/walk in their town to fundraise for Razom. Learn more info on how to join them or contribute to their GoFundMe page go here.
In California: On Sat, May 28, the Riviera Village on Redondo Beachwill have over 14 businesses donating 20% of their proceeds to Razom.
In Virginia: On June 24from 6-19pm the Beach Gallery in Virginia Beach is hostinga Hope for Ukraine Art Show & Silent Auction with all proceeds going to either Razom or the World Central Kitchen.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and continuing to #StandWithUkraine.
It is a sad fact but fraudsters and scammers are prevalent on the Internet these days. They are feeding on extreme emotions and lure their victims to either donate or click on malicious links in the emails. Unfortunately Ukraine has been such subject most recently.
Since Russia-Ukrainian war, we received many reports of attackers setting up websites that resemble Razom brand and attempting to collect money on our behalf. We have been mostly successful at taking them down with the help of our lawyers.
In the past couple of days we have received a number of emails from website visitors informing us of a message popping up in their web browsers notifying them that “This Connection Is Not Private”.
We want to clear up the confusion and let you know that what is depicted was rather a technical issue which we successfully fixed with the help of our IT professionals. This technical issue in no way meant that any part of Razom’s website was compromised.
Please remember to double check that you are on the correct Razom page, and here is the list of official Razom resources:
If you see any suspicious websites or social media accounts that impersonate Razom for Ukraine, and are different from our official pages above – please notify us at info@razomforukraine.org. Thank you!
Representatives of different U.S.-based ethnic organizations call on Congress to support additional financial aid to Ukraine, in the form of the 33 billion dollar emergency supplemental request announced by President Joe Biden on April 28, 2022. A corresponding call to action was made by activists during a press conference in front of the White House in Washington, D.C. on Thursday, May 5, 2022.
The organizers of the event were local Ukrainian-American community organizations Razom for Ukraine and United Help Ukraine. Other US ethnic, religious, and human rights associations participated in the press conference. In particular, leaders of Polish, Baltic, Syrian, Afghan, and religious organizations were present.
“We, Poles and Polish-Americans, know very well the horrors of war–we’ve lived through this ourselves. And we also understand that the Ukrainians’ fight today is not only about their fight for their own country and their own freedom and sovereignty–which is very important–but also the fight for the freedom of all of Europe,”said Klara Wiśniewska, the spokeswoman for the Polish American Congress, in an interview with the Voice of America correspondent. She added “I am very happy to report that our organization has collected a quarter of a million dollars for displaced Ukrainians.”
Klara Wiśniewska, the spokeswoman for the Polish American CongressHurunnessa Fariad, Director of Outreach at Multi-faith Neighbors NetworkYaro Hetman, Senior Director of Innovation at Compassion International
According to the activists, most of the ethnic groups represented were forced to flee dictatorship and war in their own countries one time or another, so today they would like to unite in support of Ukraine.
“The Syrian community, Muslim community, and all beleivers are with you. This is a “just war” – you are defending your country and your dignity. I’ve been to Lviv twice since the war began. Together with a team of doctors from my organization MedGlobal, we trained doctors and nurses in Ukraine. When Ukrainian doctors, officers, and representatives of the Ministry of Health learned that I had delivered medical aid in Syria, above all else they asked for us to prepare them for the probable use of chemical weapons,” commented Dr. Zaher Sahloul, representative of the American Coalition of Syria and President of MedGlobal (an international non-profit organization that provides medical services to the world’s most vulnerable groups).
Dr. Zaher Sahloul, representative of the American Coalition of Syria and President of MedGlobal Director of Ops at Human First Coalition and AfghanEvac
During the press conference, organizers of the event announced the creation of an “American Coalition in Support of Ukraine,” which would unite different community groups in the U.S. Additionally, they announced the opening of Razom for Ukraine’s representative office in Washington, D.C. “We have daily meetings with representatives, with politicians, so now we have official representation here in Washington – this is our first piece of news. The second – the creation of an American coalition in support of Ukraine. We want to unite all these people, communities, organizations, and institutions which already support Ukraine – so that we can cooperate together and have coordinated messaging, so that we can utilize all our channels to further the support of Ukraine,” announced Maryna Prykhodko, a Razom for Ukraine board member.
Організаторами події виступили місцеві американсько-українські громадські організації Razom for Ukraine та United Help Ukraine. До заяви також долучились етнічні, релігійні та правозахисні спільноти в США. Зокрема лідери польських, балтійських, сирійських, афганських та релігійних об’єднань.
“Ми, поляки та американські поляки, дуже добре знаємо жахи війни, ми самі це пережили. І ми також розуміємо, що нинішня боротьба українців – це не лише боротьба за свою країну за свою свободу та суверенітет, що дуже важливо, але це також боротьба за свободу усієї Європи, – розповідає кореспондентці Голосу Америки Клара Вишневська, представниця Польсько-американського конгресу у США і також додає, – Я рада повідомити, що наша організація зібрала чверть мільйона доларів для українських переселенців”.
За словами активістів, більшість етнічних груп у США були змушені тікати від диктатури, та війни у власних державах, тому сьогодні вони хочуть об’єднатись на підтримку України.
“Сирійська громада, мусульманська громада та усі віруючі люди – з вами. Це “справедлива війна”, – ви захищаєте свою країну і свою гідність. Я був у Львові двічі від початку війни. Разом із командою лікарів моєї організації MedGlobal ми навчали лікарів та медсестер в Україні. Коли українські лікарі, офіцери та представники Міністерства охорони здоров’я дізнались, що я надавав медичну допомогу в Сирії, вони зокрема просили підготувати їх до ймовірного застосування хімічної зброї”, – коментує Голосу Америки доктор Захер Салул, представник американської коаліції Сирії та президент медичної організації MedGlobal (міжнародна некомерційної організації, яка надає медичні послуги найбільш уразливим групам населення світу)
Під час акції організатори події оголосили про створення “Американської коаліції на підтримку України”, яка об’єднає різні національні групи в США. А також повідомили про відкриття представництва “Razom for Ukraine” у столиці США, Вашингтоні.”Ми маємо щоденні зустрічі із представниками, із політиками тож тепер ми маємо офіційне представництво тут, у Вашингтоні, – це наша перша новина і друга це – створення американської коаліції на підтримку України. Ми хочемо б’єднати усіх цих людей, громади, організації, інституції, які вже й так підтримують Україну. Для того, щоб ми спільно співпрацювали і мали однакові меседжі, щоб ми використовували усі наші канали для подальшої підтримки України”, – повідомила Голосу Америки Марина Приходько, членкиня ради директорів ГО Razom For Ukraine.
Maryna Baydyuk, Assistant Research Professor at Huang Lab; Assistant Research Professor at Georgetown UniversityAlex Kuzma, Executive Director at Ukrainian Catholic Education Foundation
However, this is not enough for Ukraine to sustain itself in total war. Ukraine needs security and economic assistance to defeat russian aggression and provide basic commodities to people impacted by the war and russia’s incessant attacks on civilian areas.
As President Joe Biden announced in his May 9 statement, shortly after signing the groundbreaking Lend Lease Act for Ukraine, “I have nearly exhausted the resources given to me by a bipartisan majority in Congress to support Ukraine’s fighters. This aid has been critical to Ukraine’s success on the battlefield.”
The U.S. Congress is responsible for approving the spending of the U.S. Government, and the U.S. Administration may ask for additional money beyond approved budgets and spending schedules when the need for funds is too urgent to be postponed until the next regular annual appropriations act.
In light of this, U.S. President Joe Biden has requested the U.S. Congress to promptly pass the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act in the amount of $39 billion. This Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act is an emergency supplemental budget; many similar bills have been proposed and passed before, providing necessary funding for U.S. initiatives, both domestic and international.
In order to keep Ukraine in the fight for democracy and freedom, Ukraine needs about $10 billion a year in assistance from its strategic partners, according to conservative estimates. However, a $39 billion supplemental budget for Ukraine would be a gamechanger, and, according to President Biden’s May 9 statement, the amount includes “military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine,” adding that “the plan was substantial in size, because the need is substantial: we must stand by Ukraine as it defends itself from Russian aggression.”
But there’s also good news on the horizon. On May 10, the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act passed the House. The next step is to have the Senate pass the bill.
What can you do to help the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act pass?
First, find your Senators. It is important that Senators hear from their constituents – the people that they represent, so please enter the zip code where you’re registered to vote.
Second, call your Senator. Yes, calling is important. Someone from the Senator’s office may pick up and write down your message, or you may have to leave a voice message. This is normal and part of the process. Click here for more detailed instructions and a sample text.
Third, in your message to your Senator, state your name and your zip code. Thank your Senator for their continued support of Ukraine and convey that their support of Ukraine is of utmost importance to you. Feel free to list a few reasons why you support Ukraine, i.e. you’re a Ukrainian-American, you believe in Ukraine’s fight for freedom and against tyranny, or you know someone currently in Ukraine who is affected by the war.
Fourth, urge your Senator to do everything they can to pass the Additional Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act as soon as possible.
That’s it! Thank you for being an advocate for Ukraine and using your democratic right to voice your concerns and priorities to the U.S. Government to help save lives and defend democracy.
We hit 120,000 donors this week and it’s absolutely amazing. The diversity of Razom’s network reflects the diversity of all the work we’re able to accomplish with your generous contributions. We are all moving towards the same goal — Ukraine’s victory, and we’re doing it Razom. Let’s keep it up.
Dear Razom community,
Ukraine is winning, big aid is moving, Razom’s impact is growing, but the war is still ongoing. There is an incredible amount of work to be done. Our volunteers, colleagues, and partners in Ukraine share this daily. We are forever grateful for the support of our individual donors, and today, ask you to consider making another donation to Razom, no matter how big or small. We need your support to keep going.
Your contributions have real impact on the lives of Ukrainians. Here’s a snapshot of some of the things we were able to accomplish this week:
Razom’s Hospitals Team shipped an entire pallet worth of antibiotics thanks to a $10,000 grant from Morristown Medical Center received by fellow Razom volunteer and pharmacist Oksana Lytvyn.
The team also obtained one pallet worth of sutures donated by Surgeon Ilkana M Gaffar on behalf of Kings County Hospital.
To date, Razom has invested $925,362 into its logistical chain.
MedGlobal is in Lviv again for their second medical mission in partnership with Razom and UMANA. They brought with them 150 suitcases of medical supplies and several more Butterfly Ultrasounds to donate to hospitals across Ukraine. They continue to provide important training on trauma care and chemical warfare.
Sometimes local NGOs and informal volunteer initiatives are best positioned to provide timely response to humanitarian needs that change by the hour and come from multiple geographical points at the same time, like they do in Ukraine. That’s why Razom developed a grant program that awards grassroots initiatives in Ukraine to help civilians in hot zones. Here’s some of what they’ve been able to accomplish:
Groups like Rescue Now and Жовта допомога Харкiв (2 of our 16 grant recipients) provide basic humanitarian aid (food, hygiene products, medicines etc.) to people in Kharkiv oblast, especially in recently liberated cities, towns, and villages in the region.
Chernihiv in northern Ukraine suffered terribly at the beginning of the invasion and charity organization, З покликом у серці, is delivering aid to the region that was occupied for weeks without access to the supplies people desperately needed.
TAPS Dnipro provided 7,148 aid packages to internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Dnipro Volunteer IDP Center which receives on average 1,300 IDPs daily. They used their $20,000 Razom Grant to deliver nine 20-ton trucks with humanitarian aid from Germany, Romania, Baltic States, Lviv and Vinnytsa. With this investment we were able to support the center’s operations for an entire week.
Razom held two press conferences on the same day this week, one in Lviv, Ukraine and another in Washington D.C.
In Ukraine, it was important that we amplify our reach so that we continue building out the network of people who need help and organizations that need partnership support. You can watch the press conference here (it’s in Ukrainian) moderated by former Ambassador to Ukraine from Canada Andrij Shevchenko and featuring Razom Board Member Lyuba Shipovich, Razom dlia Ukraini Director Evelina Kurilets, and “Children We Will Make It” co-founder (and current head of Razom volunteer drivers) Vitalii Svichynskyi.
The D.C. press conference brought together community leaders from Ukrainian organizations and partners from ethnic, religious, and human rights groups to voice their support for Ukraine. Razom, United Help Ukraine, U.S. Ukrainian activists, and leaders of Polish, Baltic, Syrian, Afghan, Jewish, Muslim and human rights groups spoke all together in front of the White House. You can watch it here.
Razom also announced its intent to launch the American Coalition for Ukraine and deliver a Joint Statement on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriation for Ukraine. You can find the full statement here.
This is group advocacy work that everyone can take part in. The $33B emergency supplemental aid package for Ukraine is currently awaiting congressional approval. Call up your representatives so they know you support this package to get Ukraine closer to victory now.
People around the world continue to be inspired by the perseverance and creativity of brave Ukraine and are coming together to do what they can to help. Below is a roundup of events that fundraise for specific causes for Ukraine or expose you to amazing Ukrainian art and culture.
On Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11 at the Ukrainian Museum, Director and Producer Andrea Odezynska debuts her new feature-length environmental documentary, Return Sasyk to the Sea, which spotlights the destructive legacy Ukraine inherited as a former member of the Soviet Union. 6/10 tickets here and 6/11 here.
Online:
Today, Friday May 6 is the last day to catch the International Muses Marathon to raise funds for Voices of Children featuring performances and appeal videos based on a personal Facebook Messenger conversation between the MAE director and Ukraine native Mikhail Zorich and his close friend, Irina, in Kyiv. Type “100 Hours” in the comments section of the donation page.
On Tuesday, May 10 at 5pm PST the Los Angeles Center of Photography is presenting an online conversation with photographer Natalie Keyssar, sharing her experience covering the war in Ukraine. The event will be moderated by LACP’s executive director, Dr. Rotem Rozental andNatalie will discuss and present her powerful, yet devastating photographs from the conflict.
On May 17 DevOpsDays Ukraine (part of the global DevOpsDays family) is hosting a virtual conference benefiting Razom to to discuss DevOps during crisis, incident, and business continuity management and share Ukrainian DevOps expertise.
In Michigan:Today, May 6from 7-10pm the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee, MI will be hosting a concert to benefit relief efforts through Razom. More info here.
In Texas: Over the weekend of May 13, Art of Peace, a group of Houstonians collaborating to help Ukrainian people, is hosting an art exhibition featuring 30 local artists with part of the proceeds benefiting Razom.
In Connecticut: On May 21, a local group of runners in Cheshire, CT are hosting a 5K run/walk in their town to fundraise for Razom. Learn more info on how to join them or contribute to their GoFundMe page go here.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and continue to #StandWithUkraine.
5 травня 2022 року у львівському “Ukraine Media Centre” відбулась прес-конференція представників NGO “Razom for Ukraine” на тему “40 млн. дол. для допомоги Україні: як українські волонтери у США наближають нашу перемогу”.
З початку вторгнення Росії в Україну “Razom for Ukraine” поставила на паузу усі свої проекти й зосередилася на єдиному – допомогти українцям під час війни. За ці місяці за допомогою фандрайзингу організації вдалося зібрали 40 мільйонів доларів.
“З них вже на 27 мільйонів доларів вже закуплено товарів таких, як товари тактичної медицини, засоби комунікації, супутникові телефони, планшети, рації, дрони” – повідомила співзасновниця та віце-президентка NGO “Razom for Ukraine” Люба Шипович.
Спеціалізацією “RAZOM” є закупівля сертифікованих засобів тактичної медицини та доставка гуманітарної допомоги. Спочатку організація визначала та купувала необхідне самостійно, далі — налагодила комунікацію безпосередньо з військовими частинами та організаціями ТРО й почала отримувати запити безпосередньо від них. Військові найчастіше просили квадрокоптери, медичні аптечки та кровоспинні турнікети.
“За цей час війни нам уже вдалося виконати більше 550 заявок, які ми доставляємо напряму на передову. Тобто кінцевими отримувачами нашої допомоги є військові частини, госпіталі, організації територіальної оборони у прифронтових зонах” – поділилась виконавча директорка благодійного фонду “Разом для України” Евеліна Курілець.
Ще одним важливим напрямком допомоги “Razom for Ukraine” спільно з громадським рухом “Діти, ми встигнемо” стала евакуація діток з особливими потребами із гарячих точок та прифронтових зон. За два місяці волонтерам вдалося евакуювати 10 діток зі СМА закордон, а також вивезли до безпечних місць понад 500 дітей та жінок.
“Пізніше ми трансформувались і вирішили, що ми не тільки будемо евакуйовувати людей, однак, і доставляти ці надважливі вантажі, про які говорили попередні спікери. Ми доставляємо, фактично, гуманітарні вантажі, а назад веземо евакуйованих людей” – зазначив голова громадського руху “Діти, ми встигнемо” Віталій Свічинський.
Ініціатива “Razom for Ukraine” виникла ще під час “Революції Гідності” та об’єднала людей, не байдужих до української демократії. Сьогодні ж у США лише фандрейзингом займаються понад 100 волонтерів, працює лобістська команда, яка проводить зустрічі у Вашингтоні із Сенаторами та держслужбовцями США ТОП-рівня, а в Україні на складі організації працюють 45 осіб.
“Ми відкриті до співпраці і якщо комусь потрібна наша допомога, або хтось може нас підтримати – ласкаво просимо, ми відкриті до співпраці” – підсумувала прес-конференцію Евеліна Курілець.
Eva Kurilets (left), Vitaliy Svichynskyi (center), Lyuba Shipovich (right)former Ambassador to Ukraine from Canada Andrij Shevchenko
On May 5, 2022, a press conference was held at the Ukraine Media Center in Lviv by representatives of Razom for Ukraine on the topic “$40 million to help Ukraine: how Ukrainian volunteers in the United States are approaching our victory.”
Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Razom for Ukraine has paused all its projects and focused on one thing – helping Ukrainians in war time. During these months, the organization managed to raise $40 million through fundraising.
“Of these, $27 million have already been purchased for goods such as tactical medicine, communications, satellite phones, tablets, walkie-talkies, drones,” said Lyuba Shipovich, co-founder and vice president of Razom for Ukraine.
RAZOM specializes in the purchase of certified tactical medical supplies and the delivery of humanitarian aid. Initially, the organization determined and purchased the necessary items on its own, then established communication directly with military units and territorial defense units and began to receive inquiries directly from them. The military most often asked for quadcopters, first aid kits and hemostatic tourniquets.
“During this war, we have already managed to fulfill more than 550 requests, which we deliver directly to the front. That is, the final recipients of our assistance are military units, hospitals and field hospitals, territorial defense units in the frontline zones” – shared the executive director of Razom dlia Ukraini Evelina Kurilets.
Another important branch of aid for Razom together with the social movement “Children, we will make it” was the evacuation of children with special needs from hotspots and frontline areas. In two months, volunteers managed to evacuate 10 children with SMA abroad and more than 500 children and women to safety.
“Shortly we have transformed and decided that we would not only evacuate people, but also deliver this crucial aid, which was mentioned by previous speakers. Thus, we deliver humanitarian goods, and we take the evacuated people back,” said Vitaliy Svichynskyi, the head of the movement “Children, we will make it”.
Razom for Ukraine originated during the Revolution of Dignity and brought together people who stand for Ukrainian democracy. Today, more than 100 volunteers in the United States alone fundraise for Ukraine, an advocacy team meets in Washington D.C. with top U.S. senators and government officials, and 45 people work in Ukraine.
“We are open to cooperation and if someone needs our help, or someone can support us – welcome, we are open to cooperation,” Evelina Kurilets concluded the press conference.
On May 4th, Ukrainians were joined by the Wall Street “Fearless Girl” to call for more transparency on companies continuing to do business in russia. Razom organized a silent “Save the Children!” Protest, whose message is simple – by continuing to do business in russia, companies are feeding the war machine and killing more Ukrainian children. Protestors held the signs like “Stop funding putin’s war!”, “Boycott Business With russia” as well as QR codes with links to websites tracking russia “remainders”, such as Yale russia list, Boycott russia, Stop Business With russia (SBWr), Squeezing putin, Don’t Fund War and Exit russia.
Photos by George de Castro-Day/@aperture.delta
Razom business advocacy team has been collaborating with some of these initiatives to bring attention to the companies still paying their tax dollars stained by blood. The protests are happening in different corners of the US and the world. Stop Business With russia activists have written more than 300 emails to company CEOs, investor relations and shareholders urging them to get out of russia. Ukrainian financial analysts are pouring over quarterly earnings reports to see that the companies are following their public announcements and are indeed leaving russia. The pressure is on!
Razom is proud to be part of the effort for more transparency – we joined the Ukrainian American Bar Association, and Natalie Jaresko (former Minister of Finance of Ukraine) in submitting The Russia Disclosure rulemaking petition to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission requiring US public companies to disclose their business with/within russia and Belarus. The petition 4-784 is now available on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website. Our proposal, if adopted, will provide critical information for investors, who may prefer to distance themselves from the financing of war crimes entirely, and also evaluate the risks of further sanctions, boycotts, reputational/ESG risks, and increased costs stemming from continued operation in russia.
CALL TO ACTION: You can help make this common-sense disclosure a reality with ~10 minutes of your time:
1. SEND A LETTER TO THE SEC: Email a note explaining why you support the proposed Russia Disclosure to rule-comments@sec.gov. The subject line of your message MUST include the 4-784 file number for the petition. Ok to attach a PDF.
2. WRITE TO YOUR SENATORS / CONGRESS REPS (or better call them) – relevant contacts based on your address available here: https://lnkd.in/dR32pE96. Request/suggest that they: (A) Send a letter to the SEC in support of the Russia Disclosure Petition 4-784, and (B) Support or co-sponsor “H.R.7228 Reveal Risky Russia Business Act” introduced by Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-NY) on March 24 (https://lnkd.in/dPXjWEaq) or introduce their own bill. As Andrii Galiuk from SBWr initiative explains: “Why is there both an SEC Petition and a Congress Act pursuing similar disclosure requirements? Good question. SEC can introduce a new disclosure requirement independent of Congress, solely based on the Petition, but it may also deny the petition and do nothing. Alternatively, US Congress can require SEC to introduce the disclosure – that’s how Conflict Minerals and Iran Business disclosures came to be. Of course, Congress requiring the disclosure in a bill would be optimal. But for now, both paths are viable and worth pursuing”.
3. SHARE THIS WITH YOUR NETWORK on social media. Tag political and civic leaders, and journalists who can help raise awareness.
Razom’s commitment to delivering life-saving aid into the right hands in Ukraine is unwavering. In this newsletter you’ll find the latest about that work, as well as about the diverse collection of events happening all over the world to get yourself involved in helping Ukraine.
Dear Razom community,
Your donations coupled with the volunteers who work every single day, including weekends and evenings, to drive impact as fast as humanly possible, make a difference. Remember this, because Ukraine still needs you.
Below is a snapshot of some of the work we’ve been able to accomplish lately, by no means is this an exhaustive list:
Partners for World Health and Razom Hospitals team applied and received a UPS air shipping grant that was used to ship 42 pallets of medical supplies and equipment that will be received by our on the ground partners in Ukraine, Zdorovi. This shipment included an AED machine, Autoclave, Anesthesia GE Datex Ohmeda Machine, Crash Cart, Portable Ultrasound, and Patient Monitor, amongst other supplies.
Razom has an unofficial branch in Canada thanks to a group of incredible volunteers. To date, 76 pallets of medical supplies have been shipped from therethat include tourniquets, hermostatic bandages, splints, portable ultrasound machines, and so much more. Big thanks go out to Meditek Canada, Hamilton Health Sciences and a number of private clinics, who made large in-kind donations to Razom.
MD Luke Tomycz, Neurosurgeon and co-founder of Razom’s The CoPilot Project spearheaded an effort with the Razom Hospitals team to send 2 pallets of critical neurosurgical supplies to Ukraine. We partnered with international NGO CMMB to procure neuro supplies from Integra. We also helped procure epilepsy medication that has been distributed to displaced children from Donestk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia regions currently in Dnipro.
Cabinet Health, a company that provides plastic-free packaging for everyday over-the-counter medicines, has generously donated 8 pallets of necessary OTC medications to the Razom Hospitals team. We are grateful for our partnership with Kyiv Alliance and Help Heroes of Ukraine who transported these pallets from Tennessee to New York.
Razom Hospitals team is also helping to address sexual violence and abuse in Ukraine. In cooperation with Leda Health, we are sending 500 forensic rape kits to support justice for the victims of sexual violence in Ukraine.
To date, Razom has delivered over 4,000 walkie-talkies, 700 civilian drones, 250 satellite phones, and 200 tablets to territorial defense units, rescuers, paramedics, and volunteers in Ukraine to help deliver humanitarian aid safely and effectively and provide rescue support.
Volunteers at our warehouse in UkraineRazom volunteers in Canada
Razom has partnered up with Nova Ukraine and United Help Ukraine to collectively raise $20,000 to purchase 300 Starlink kits and distribute them across Ukraine.
101 cities currently don’t have internet because russian missiles and army have destroyed or severely damaged infrastructure. Ukrainians need stable connectivity to keep a lifeline to their loved ones and manage their daily lives – work remotely, pay bills, receive medical care, etc.
Please do your part in connectivity enablement in Ukraine by contributing to this specific project here.
People around the world continue to be inspired by the perseverance and creativity of brave Ukraine and are coming together to do what they can to help. Below is a roundup of events that fundraise for specific causes for Ukraine or expose you to amazing Ukrainian art and culture.
In New York:
Tonight and tomorrow (4/29 and 4/30) from 7-9pm, Soapbox Gallery in Brooklyn will run a tribute to Ukrainian music and culture, providing a platform for over 20 artists to react to today’s events from multiple perspectives and provide a fresh look at Ukraine’s musical roots and identity.
On Saturday, 4/30 at 5pm at the Tribeca Film Center / Tribeca Screening room,the Directors Guild of Ukraine and New York film club Kinovino are organizing the fundraising film screening of Ukrainian documentary Enticing, Sugary, Boundless or Songs and Dances about Death. A Q&A with the film’s director Tania Khodakivska will follow.
On Saturday, 4/30from 3:30-7:30pm the Hudson Valley Relief Benefit will feature guest speakers, music, food, and a silent auction. Get you tickets and join Novellas Restaurant in New Paltz, NY to support Razom’s Emergency Response project!
On Sunday, May 1 at 11am Chobani SoHo Cafe and Razom are collaborating on a fundraising event. Stop by and try some special creations off the menu and help Ukraine.
On Tuesday, May 3 at 7pm the Church Street School for Music and Art in NYC will host a Concert For Ukraine featuring violinist Nadia Khodakovska and members of CSSMA faculty. All proceeds will go to Razom. To reserve tickets email tobywine@churchstreetschool.org.
On Friday, May 20 and Sunday, May 22 at the Ukrainian Museum, Director and Producer Andrea Odezynska debuts her new feature-length environmental documentary, Return Sasyk to the Sea, which spotlights the destructive legacy Ukraine inherited as a former member of the Soviet Union.
On Saturday, April 30 at 1pm EDT, Weave A Real Peace (WARP) will host Ukrainian textile artists Halyna Shepko (New York), Daryna Alieksieienko (Kyiv), Andriy Pyshkar (Ternopil), and Yaroslava Tkachuk (Lviv) for a discussion about their work within the Ukrainian weaving traditions. Continuing Textile Traditions: Ukraine is a special program (online) to raise relief funds for Razom.
On May 17 DevOpsDays Ukraine (part of the global DevOpsDays family) is hosting a virtual conference benefiting Razom to to discuss DevOps during crisis, incident, and business continuity management and share Ukrainian DevOps expertise.
In New Jersey: On Sunday, May 1 at 2pm EDT the Ukrainian American Business and Professionals Association and artist Dianna Derhak will host Sunflowers for Ukraine – Paint Sunday Fundraiser with all proceeds going to support the Ukrainian Documentary Film Project about the current war.
In Michigan: On Friday, May 6from 7-10pm the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee, MI will be hosting a concert to benefit relief efforts through Razom. More info here.
In Texas: Over the weekend of May 13th, Art of Peace, a group of Houstonians collaborating to help Ukrainian people, is hosting an art exhibition featuring 30 local artists with part of the proceeds benefiting Razom.
In Connecticut: On May 21, a local group of runners in Cheshire, CT are hosting a 5K run/walk in their town to fundraise for Razom. Learn more info on how to join them or contribute to their GoFundMe page go here.
In Copenhagen: On May 5, the Academic Council of Eastern European Studies will host an all-day conference at the University of Copenhagen – Østeuropastudiers Ukrainefestival.
As always, thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter and continue to #StandWithUkraine.
You can mail a check to 140 2nd. Ave., Suite 305, New York, NY, 10003
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Oblast Competitions
In 2018 we’re planning to cover expenses for 30 teams (6 people per team) at Oblast STEM competitions. Total Budget is $4500
Ruslan Batytskyi
Director, writer and cinematographer with three completed award-winning shorts as well as a feature documentary in post-production. After starting his filmmaker career at 2009, Ruslan brings his skills in project management, process analysis and systems models (received during obtaining MA in cybernetics 2003-2008) and applies them to the creative thinking and artistic thought-processes of film. He also holds BA in Film and Television directing (from the Kyiv National University of theatre, cinema and television by Karpenko-Karyi).
“A chance to participate in The Co-Pilot project it’s an amazing opportunity to help others and to tell the story that will engage and inspire people around the world”
2017 Trip Itinerary
We are gearing up for our 2017 Mission trip. It’ll be a 3-month adventure during which we plan to work with neurosurgeons from several centers from all around the country. Dr.Tomycz has also been invited to deliver an address at the annual Ukrainian Neurosurgery Conference 2017 in Kharkiv.
May 20: arrive in Kyiv, Ukraine
May 22-26: meet with area surgeons at participating centers
May 29- June 9: two week master class with Igor Kurilets MD at the International Neurosurgery Center
June 12-13: Visit to Medical Institute of Sumy State University
June 14-16: Ukrainian Neurosurgery Conference 2017 in Kharkiv
June 19-23: one week course and master class operating in complex spine and craniocervical with Ukrainian spinal surgeons and trainees from Romadanov Institute and International Neurosurgery Center
June 24-July 7: Come back to United States for two weeks
July 10-21: two week master class with Dr. Schlegov at the Neurovascular Institute
July 24-August 4: two week master class in pediatric neurosurgery with surgeons at Lviv Children’s Hospital
August 5-18: travel to out-lying centers of excellence (Stryii, Ivano-Frankivsk, Odesa)
August 21-31: operate with surgeons at Central Military Hospital and International Neurosurgery Center in Kyiv
September 15: leave Ukraine for United States
Surgical Mentors and Medical Support Staff
The best way to train surgeons is by providing hands-on mentorship and assistance in the operating room. One of the primary goals of the Co-Pilot Project is the continued recruitment of high quality surgeons from United States and Canada to spend time with Ukrainian counterparts, consulting on patients and performing procedures.
Surgical Mentors traveling to Ukraine
Jefferson Miley, MD – neurointerventionalist
Jonathan Forbes, MD – skull base neurosurgeon
Matthew Geck, MD – orthopedic spine surgeon
Not all of the healthcare volunteers will be able to travel to Ukraine but they still will play an important role from home. Utilizing contemporary technology, including live streaming of surgeries and communication via social media the medical support staff will advice and mentor Ukrainian neurosurgeons as they confront difficult cases.
Medical Support Staff
Bido Patel, MD – neuroradiologist
Chandra Krishnan, MD – neuropathologist
Ginger Harrod, MD – neuro-oncologist
Advisory Staff
Tim George, MD – pediatric neurosurgeon
Jim Rose, MD – vascular neurosurgeon
Ryan Murdoch, MD – orthopedic spine surgeon
Patrick Combs, MD – craniofacial surgeon
Nestor Tomycz, MD – functional neurosurgeon
Aaron Stayman, MD – vascular neurologist
Jim Rutka – pediatric neurosurgeon
Ben Warf – pediatric neurosurgeon
Participating Centers in Ukraine Page
Since our exploratory trip in 2016 we have identified a cohort of motivated and talented surgeons who are hungry for additional instruction and eager for collaboration.
Igor Kurilets, MD (International Neurosurgery Center)
Ivan Protsenko, MD (Romadanov Institute)
Kostiantyn Kostiuk, MD (Romadanov Institute)
Vitali Ganjuk, MD (Central Military Hospital, Kyiv)
Taras Mykytyn, MD (Lviv Children’s Hospital)
Dmytro Shcheglov, MD (Neurovascular Institute)
Luke Tomycz, MD
Dr. Luke Tomycz is the newest addition to the pediatric neurosurgical team at Dell Children’s Medical Center. Dr. Tomycz finished first in his high school class of over 200 students and attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, MA where he double-majored in biology and chemical engineering. He accepted the prestigious Dean’s Full-Tuition Scholarship to attend medical school at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor where he first developed an interest in neurosurgery. After medical school, he began his formal neurosurgical training at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN where he trained under the late Noel Tulipan, MD, a pioneer in fetal neurosurgery for myelomeningocele. During his seven-year residency, he spent two years obtaining an in-folded fellowship in endovascular surgery, becoming proficient in the treatment of aneurysms, AVMs, Moya-Moya syndrome, and complex dural AV fistulae of adults and children. After this, Dr. Tomycz spent an additional year at Seattle Children’s Hospital performing a large volume of complex epilepsy surgery with Jeff Ojemann, MD. Following an exhaustive job search, Dr.Tomycz was attracted to Austin as the city was in the process of launching a new medical school at the University of Texas.
Dr. Tomycz specializes in all aspects of pediatric neurosurgery including brain tumors, epilepsy, Chiari malformation, tethered cord syndrome, CSF shunting, and intracranial endoscopy. As one of the only dual-trained, pediatric and endovascular neurosurgeons in the country, he is particularly interested in Moya-Moya, brain aneurysms and AVMs, arteriovenous fistulae, and other complex neurovascular disorders in children as well as adults. His research interests include the use of engineering innovations to improve treatments for hydrocephalus and he has published on a wide variety of neurosurgical topics. Outside the operating room, Dr. Tomycz enjoys playing guitar and hiking in the mountains. He has travelled extensively to perform neurosurgery and take part in short-term medical mission work – in Cuba, Kenya, Honduras, Ecuador, and Ukraine.
Dr. Tomycz grew up with four grandparents who told stories of their youth and taught their grandchildren the language of their homeland – Ukraine. His parents were both born in refugee camps following the second world war, and came to this country in the early 1950s with virtually nothing. His father excelled in academics and went into medicine, and both Luke and his brother Nestor followed suit, pursuing a career in neurosurgery. During a long period of study and training that lasted more than 15 years, Luke resolved to return to the homeland of his grandparents and provide the kind of high quality care that children receive in the United States.
Mariya Soroka
In 2014 at the peak of protests in the Maidan, Mariya joined several fellow Ukrainians living in New York City to create Razom, a young, energetic, and progressive start-up which seeks to amplify the voice of Ukraine to an American audience. An active member of the board, she is responsible for organizing cultural events as well as cooperating with government representatives, activists, and various civic groups and human rights organizations in support of Ukraine’s quest for democracy.
CPP info
Mariya is also heavily involved with fundraising for Razom’s projects via crowdsourcing, charity events, and online petitions. After graduating from Penn State University with a BA in Advertising and Public Relations and a dual minor in Entrepreneurship and International Studies, Mariya spent over 5 years in Manhattan working within the content marketing industry. She believes in the enormous potential of dedicated volunteers around the world working to rebuild Ukraine one project at a time.
Mariana Magala
Mariana Magala was born in Lviv, Ukraine. She graduated from The University of Chicago in 2013 and holds a B.A. in Economics and Slavic Languages and Literature. Currently, Mariana is a Strategic Analytics Manager at Interline Brands (subsidiary of The Home Depot) in Jacksonville, Florida. She specializes in analytics, business strategy, and nonprofit development. Mariana was the co-chair of a pro-bono consulting group for nonprofits in Chicago for 3 years and is currently the treasurer for a young professionals group at MOSH (Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville).
Mariana joined Razom’s Neurosurgical initiative in 2016. She is very excited to collaborate with the team and develop the initiative into a highly successful program.
