AUSTIN, Texas — The recent videos and photos out of Ukraine amid Russia's invasion have many wondering what they can do to help those suffering through the war on the other side of the world.
Central Texas businesses and organizations are stepping up to help and there are also plenty of ways to donate online.
Here's a look at some efforts underway:
Local fundraisers to help Ukraine
The Eastern European market said it is donating proceeds from the sale of its remaining Russian products to the people of Ukraine. Once the Russian products are sold out, the market said it will no longer sell products made in Russia.
The store is located at 2121 W. Parmer Lane, Ste. 113.
Bread for the People is selling biscuits and coffee on March 5 with proceeds donated to Ukraine. The bake sale will be from 10 a.m. to noon outside of L'Oca d'Oro on 1900 Simond Ave.
The French patisserie will be selling Ukraine-inspired pampushkas at both of its locations this Saturday and Sunday. All proceeds will go to supporting Ukraine. The North Austin location is at 7301 Burnet Road, Ste 102, and the South Austin location is at 602 W. Annie St.
Local food blog Austin Food Adventures has partnered with nearly two dozen area restaurants, coffee shops, and bars that will help Ukraine by donating a percentage of sales made on March 5 to Save the Children, which is working to help children and families affected by the war.
"What I'm asking for from each restaurant is 5% to get involved and join this movement," said Amanda Wong, Austin Food Adventures Founder. "Some restaurants have definitely said that they want to donate a little bit more, and I'm leaving that up to them to kind of give them some privacy."
Businesses participating in the event Saturday, March 5:
- Bird Bird Biscuit
- Filipino Vietnamese Kitchen
- Garbo's
- Pedroso's Pizza
- Fukumoto Sushi and Yakitori
- Sharetea
- JewBoy Burgers
- Brooklyn Breakfast Shop
- Din Ho Chinese BBQ
- Taqueria One Taco
- Austin Rotisserie
- Bummer Burrito
- Hold Out Brewing
- Better Half
- Tamale House
- Little Brother
- The Brew & Brew
- Let'z Geaux Boil
- Eldorado Cafe
- Ramen512
- Paprika
- Freewheelin' Coffee
- Juliet Italian Kitchen
- Via 313 Pizza
Tsuke Edomae is also joining efforts with Austin Food Adventures. They're hosting a raffle giving away an omakase for 2. More details on @austinfoodadventures.
All these restaurants will be donating all the proceeds to the Save the Children Ukraine Relief Fund. A fund that will provide children and families with food, water, hygiene kits, etc.
Donations for Ukraine
According to the organization's website, donations are going toward helping children and families in the form of food, water, hygiene kits psychosocial support and cash assistance.
The foundation has been helping children impacted by war since 2015 with donations helping provide psychological and psychosocial support to children and families.
The nonprofit said it is currently raising funds to provide medical and humanitarian aid that will be used by paramedics and doctors in the areas affected by violence in Ukraine.
The IRC said it is working with groups in Poland in Ukraine to provide aid to families displaced by the war as there are now more than one million refugees that have fled to neighboring countries.
The UNHCR helps refugees displaced by violence, conflict and persecution and is now helping Ukrainian refugees fleeing the war with emergency aid and assistance.
GoFundMe has a list of featured fundraisers from all over the world raising money to help Ukraine. The page features verified fundraisers, with more being added as they become available. GoFundMe said it is verifying that donors and organizers are in compliance with U.S. and international laws.
Ukrainian native, Alla Lutsenko, left Ukraine eight years ago. She left her family behind and doesn't know if she'll ever get to see them again.
With the help of organizations and businesses like the ones above, Lutsenko feels there's some hope.
"It makes me feel very grateful," said Lutsenko. "It makes me think that you know, that we're not alone. The world does support us that. Yeah, I'm just, very grateful, very grateful."
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