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When Ukraine was invaded by Russia last year, experts predicted that the nation would succumb to Russian forces within weeks. However, Ukrainians have defied expectations, although not without cost. In addition to the loss of thousands of lives, over a million homes have been destroyed, along with cultural treasures such as the Soviet classicist theatre in Mariupol. Just this month, nearly 40,000 tons of grain were damaged in an attack on the port city of Izmail. Established organizations like the British Red Cross and President Zelenskyy’s UNITED24 are providing medical aid and military support, but engineers, psychologists, and ballerinas are also contributing. From mobile bakeries to modular homes, here are some of the latest fundraising initiatives.
Bake for Ukraine
No Ukrainian welcome is complete without bread, and in the midst of a food crisis, Ukraine’s bakery culture has become increasingly important. Bake for Ukraine supports independent bakeries that are feeding troops and people in need by providing funds and equipment. These bakeries often use traditional recipes, local produce, and sustainable methods. Recent efforts include replacing an oven in a Kherson shop following a rocket attack and purchasing a mobile bakery to deliver bread to remote areas. The charity also encourages foreign bakeries to make palyanytsya, a round, white loaf that is quintessentially Ukrainian, and donate the profits. You can find these breads at places like Hackney’s e5 Bakehouse. Visit bakeforukraine.org for more information.
A design fair celebrating Ukrainian makers
I Am U Are brings the best of Ukrainian furniture, jewelry, fashion, and tech to the US. This organization, whose name is a play on Ukraine’s country code, launched an online platform where shoppers can choose from traditional handcrafted ceramics, woollen rugs from Kosiv, and jewelry with nature-inspired solid perfumes. A percentage of profits goes towards the platform’s operations, while the majority directly supports the sellers. The next fair, with a focus on technology, will be held in Los Angeles in December. Check out iamuare.world for more details. A pop-up will also be opening at Public Records NYC next month.
Virtual tickets to help rebuild galleries
Save the Spot allows people to buy “tickets” to closed cultural institutions in Ukraine, with all funds directly supporting their upkeep and rebuilding efforts. The galleries, theaters, and libraries that receive the funds are verified by the charity’s partners in Ukraine and range from regional archives to historical museums. To purchase virtual tickets and support these institutions, visit savethespot.org.
A “balletcore” collection supporting Kyiv’s dance students
At the Kyiv State Choreographic College, young dance students are in need of support for the restoration of their living quarters. Principal dancer Kateryna Kukhar has set up the Revival of KSBC charity fund to help complete the restoration. Kukhar has collaborated with Ukrainian brand Cabanchi on a “balletcore” collection of clothing, with 10% of sales going towards the college. You can donate to the Kyiv State Choreographic College at send.monobank.ua and shop the Cabanchi x K Kukhar collection at cabanchi.com.
A mountain therapy camp for children
Gen.Camp, founded by fashion designer Oksana Lebedeva, provides free, science-based therapies for children in Ukraine. The camp offers music therapy and art activities to help children cope with the trauma they have faced. With the support of psychologists and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska, Gen.Camp has moved to Ukraine’s Carpathian mountains and plans to provide rehabilitation to over 300 children throughout the year. Learn more at genukrainian.com.ua.
A commercial initiative with a new social housing proposition
Engineers Alex Stepura and Oleg Pogonyshev developed a fully modular home that can be built much faster and more efficiently than traditional homes. Under the name HOMErs, they sell fully-furnished homes with central heating and running water for £14,500. The brand currently produces 10-15 homes each month, with plans to expand production when a new plant opens in Slovakia next year. Find out more at homers-global.com.
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