The public organization “Zvichayni Ludi” (English: “Ordinary People”) was created by Iryna Stroeva and Anna Vovk in July 2019 in Kharkiv, Ukraine. The organization grew, and for the past three years it was actively helping disadvantaged and orphaned children, providing aid to orphanages and hospitals.
2022 russian invasion of Ukraine changed the lives of every member of “Zvichayni Ludi,” but it didn’t change their determination and desire to help those in need. Now, joined by many more “ordinary” volunteers from different backgrounds, “Zvichayni Ludi” provide food, water, hygiene products, medical supplies, and even emergency window repairs to the most vulnerable populations, public hospitals, and Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines in Kharkiv region. They deliver aid to people in shelters, subway stations, and Kharkiv territories liberated from russian occupation. Moreover, they supply local kitchens with groceries covering about 3000 meals and so far have assisted in the preparation and delivery of over 200,000 meals.
The organization aims to provide help directly to those who need it the most. To assist as many people as possible, “Zvichayni Ludi” created an effective system of forming and issuing orders and optimized the logistics between the call center and the warehouse improving packaging and delivery times. They also set up special brigades to repair windows in residential buildings affected by shelling.
University professors and students, company directors and workers, entrepreneurs and the unemployed, doctors and engineers, men and women – 150 people who call themselves “ordinary” were able to help more than 102,000 Kharkiv residents. Their selfless nature and incredible humanitarian efforts are especially valuable to those who live far from the city and don’t have access to any supplies.
Razom for Ukraine has already provided $11,000 and recently approved another grant of $19,000 to aid “Zvichayni Ludi” in their honorable and necessary mission! Watch the video below to see these wonderful people in action.
We are excited to share with you our series Razom Says Dyakuyu. “Dyakuyu” means “thank you” in Ukrainian. Our work supporting Ukraine and getting humanitarian aid on the ground where it is needed most, would not be possible without the generous donations made by donors. Within this series we will be highlighting some of the thousands of amazing donors and fundraisers that Razom has been very fortunate to gain support of.
Razom for Ukraine was truly honored to be selected as one of the recipients of the Humble Bundle’s “Stand With Ukraine” charity effort and was awarded $5.07 million. It was to-date the largest single donation we have ever received at Razom.
Since russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, Razom has been an awe-struck witness of all the different and creative ways businesses have raised and donated funds to support the Ukrainian people. Humble Bundle, a digital storefront for games, e-books, and software, strongly focused on charitable work, joined forces with game creators, publishers, and software makers who donated their items putting together an online “Stand with Ukraine” bundle with 100% of proceeds going to humanitarian relief in Ukraine.
“Like others around the world, we’ve been dismayed by the invasion of Ukraine and the resulting tragedies… together with our industry partners, we were able to bring in over $20 million for Ukraine – the single largest donation we’ve been able to make in our 11-year history. We’re extremely grateful to our community for their care and action in supporting this important cause. Even though it can’t undo the pain and devastation caused by the invasion, the funding will go a very long way in feeding, sheltering, and providing medical care for millions of refugees who have fled Ukraine since the start of the war.” – Kamini Tiwari, VP Social Impact, Humble Bundle shared in a feature article in Forbes.
Humble Bundle introduction to Razom came through one of its co-founders John Graham and his wife Olga. After a quick conversation facilitated by a common friend with one of Razom’s volunteers during the early days of March, they were inspired by Razom’s mission and concrete actions. John and Olga thought of this opportunity to help Razom raise funds and connected the dots with Humble Bundle. John worked tirelessly to enable this bundle on the back end and it certainly delivered most impressive results.
People around the globe purchased the Stand with Ukraine bundle that featured games, including Metro Exodus, developed by 4A Games (which has a studio in Kyiv), books, including Pathfinder 2nd Edition Core Rulebook, and software, including GameMaker Studio 2 Creator.
Humble Bundle’s effort from March 18 to 25 raised over $20.7 million with 473,945 bundles purchased. Razom for Ukraine received a fourth of the funds – equaling over $5M. As Dora Chomiak, Razom President, said: “From all of us at Razom, our wholehearted thank-you goes to Humble Bundle for your so not-humble, but extremely generous, support of our work. Your donation had a major impact enabling us to scale our efforts in providing critical, life-saving aid to the people of Ukraine.”
Thanks to our incredible donors, including the outstanding support of Humble Bundle, Razom for Ukraine:
Shipped hundreds of tons of tactical medical equipment and critical medical supplies to Ukraine:
Assembled more than 43,000 individual first aid kits (IFAKs) and over 900 medical backpacks.
Made hundreds of trips carrying tactical medicine cargo (fulfilling over 1000 deliveries) prioritizing hot spot cities and regions where Ukrainians are actively repelling russian invaders.
Evacuated 31 families (totaling over 500 people) with children with special needs to safety.
Partnered with more than 40 organizations on the ground to provide tens of thousands of hot meals, distribute thousands of grocery packages to the elderly and disabled, support families of veterans, renovate homes for displaced families. We have deployed over $1.6M for these programs to date.
Humble Bundle continues supporting Ukraine and Razom through their work contributing a portion of the proceeds from their other bundles.
Razom and all the Ukrainians who have received much-needed help say, “dyakuyu” – Ukrainian for thank you – to Humble Bundle.
What does it mean to build a civil society? Can Ukraine become a model of new statehood where volunteer initiatives surpass the professionalism and efficiency of foreign organizations and government agencies? In the interview for Razom, co-founder and chairman of the PFVMH Supervisory Board, Gennadiy Druzenko shares his perspective.
Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital, or PFVMH, began to form after an attempt to disperse the Euromaidan in Kyiv by force on November 30, 2013. Volunteers, doctors, and medical professionals set up improvised medical brigades and later formed underground hospitals to help the victims of the Revolution of Dignity. In December 2014, PFVMH started working in the ATO zone. Over the next five years, more than half a thousand volunteers – physicians, paramedics, and support staff – did more than fifty rotations in the ATO area (later the JFO zone). They saved thousands of lives, and people started calling them the Angels in White Coats.
On February 24, 2022, russia launched its infamous and insidious war. Once again, the angels went where people needed them the most. For almost four months now, volunteer doctors, working in difficult frontline conditions and risking their lives, have been providing medical care to the victims: first in Kyiv and Zhytomyr, and since May in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Lending a hand to mobile military hospitals, PFVMH has now set up its evacuation and stabilization points in Chasiv Yar and Sloviansk. Evacuation carriages also reach the Luhansk region near Lysychansk.
Donors and doctors from around the world join the project and help save the lives of military and civilian victims. Medical professionals from Germany, Austria, France, Great Britain, Canada, and the US have come to do the rotations. For example, in May this year, Jennifer Malley, a California emergency nurse, was part of one of the PFVMH crews. She was impressed by the results that Ukrainian doctors achieved with minimal resources and compared russia’s war against Ukraine with the biblical David and Goliath.
From its creation until today, PFVMH has existed exclusively on non-state funds. Since April 2022, Razom for Ukraine has been assisting the hospital with tactical medicine and has provided a grant of $95,000. These funds have already purchased a bus to evacuate the wounded and transport medics and fuel. During the war, the need for mobile equipment is exceptionally high. Right now, PFVMH requires a portable X-ray ($40,000) and armored ambulances.
It is important to understand that Pirogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital is not only about medical care but also the community and the dedication of volunteers who save thousands of people. “This is the prototype of future Ukraine. We owe it to those who gave their lives for it.” – Gennadiy Druzenko
Уроки людяності та успішного громадянського суспільства від ПДМШ ім. Миколи Пирогова
Як виглядає незалежне громадянське суспільство побудоване на принципах самоорганізації, волі та відповідальності? Чи може Україна стати зразком нової державності, де волонтерські ініціативи перевершують професійність та ефективність іноземних організацій чи державних установ? На ці та інші питання в інтервʼю для Razom відповідає Геннадій Друзенко – співзасновник і Голова Наглядової Ради ПДМШ ім. Миколи Пирогова.
Перший добровольчий мобільний шпиталь або ПДМШ почав формуватися ще 30 листопада 2013 року. Тоді, після спроби силового розгону Євромайдану в Києві, було створено імпровізовані медичні бригади, а потім і підпільні шпиталі, які допомагали постраждалим учасникам Революції Гідності. А вже у грудні 2014 року ПДМШ як системний проєкт розпочав свою діяльність в зоні АТО. За наступні пʼять років більше півтисячі добровольців – медиків, парамедиків, допоміжного персоналу – здійснили більше пʼятдесяти ротацій у зоні АТО (пізніше зона ООС). Вони врятували тисячі життів і отримали цілком виправдане звання янголів у білих халатах.
24 лютого 2022 року росія розпочала свою ганебну, підступну війну – і янголи вирушили туди, де їх найбільш потребують. Вже майже чотири місяці медики-добровольці, працюючи у тяжких прифронтових умовах і ризикуючи своїм життям, надають медичну допомогу постраждалим: спочатку у Київській та Житомирській, а від травня – у Донецькій та Луганській областях. Підставивши плече військовим мобільним госпіталям, ПДМШ наразі облаштували власні евакуаційно-стабілізаційні пункти у Часовому Яру та Словʼянську, а евакуаційні екіпажі доїжджають також до Луганщини в районі Лисичанська.
Донори й лікарі з усього світу долучаються до проєкту та допомагають рятувати життя військових і цивільних, постраждалих від війни. На ротаціях вже були лікарі з Німеччини, Австрії, Франції, Великої Британії, Канади та США. Так, наприклад, у травні цього року в складі одного з екіпажів ПДМШ працювала Дженніфер Маллі – медсестра невідкладної допомоги із Каліфорнії. Вона була вражена результатами, яких українські медики досягають маючи мінімальні ресурси, і порівняла війну росії проти України з біблійними Давидом та Голіафом.
Від моменту створення і до сьогодні, ПДМШ існує виключно на недержавні кошти. З квітня 2022 року Razom for Ukraine допомагає шпиталю тактичною медициною та надали грант у розмірі 95 000 доларів США. На ці кошти вже було придбано бус для евакуації поранених та транспортування медиків, а також паливо. Але в умовах війни необхідність у коштах для придбання високотехнологічного мобільного обладнання особливо висока. Наприклад, наразі ПДМШ потребує портативний рентген (40 000 доларів США) та броньовані швидкі.
Сьогодні дуже важливо розуміти, що Перший добровольчий мобільний шпиталь ім. Миколи Пирогова – це не тільки про медичну допомогу, це про спільноту і самовідданість добровольців, які продовжують рятувати тисячі людей. “Це прообраз і паросток майбутньої України, за яку не буде соромно перед тими, хто поклав за неї життя.” – Геннадій Друзенко
Razom for Ukraine was honored to be awarded a 2022 Village Award from Village Preservation, a non-profit group that advocates for the preservation of architecture and culture in several Lower Manhattan neighborhoods. The awards honor the people, organizations, and businesses that make the culturally and architecturally historic Greenwich Village, East Village, and NoHo neighborhoods so special.
Dora Chomiak, Razom’s president, accepted the award on behalf of the thousands of volunteers and donors that power Razom. Ukrainians have deep ties to the area with waves of immigrants arriving and settling in the early 1900s and again post-World War II.
“The Village has always been a place where people come together to make art, to make community. And very importantly to take action… This community has come together to deliver food to hundreds of villages across Ukraine,” Chomiak said while accepting the award on Tuesday evening at The Cooper Union’s Great Hall. “Ukrainians have been an integral part of the Village for more than 150 years. We are standing on the shoulders of giants.”
Razom was born in the winter of 2014 during Ukraine’s Revolution of Dignity in the historic Ukrainian East Village and has called this important New York City neighborhood home ever since. Razom has been bringing together community members for over eight years who care about building a prosperous and free Ukraine.
Since russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, Razom has focused its efforts on distributing over $35 million of aid into Ukraine where it is needed most.
Event emcee and artist Penny Arcade said that since russia’s invasion, the entire Village community has been impacted. “I know that all of us who live downtown…felt a really heartfelt attack in ourselves because of our relationship with the Ukrainian community,” she said.
Razom has felt the support of its East Village community from fundraisers and donations to seeing Ukrainian flags flying in the neighborhood.
Razom video presented on the big stage at Cooper Union
“I know it’s hard… there is a fatigue that sets in. But your flags on your fire escapes matter. When we talk with our colleagues and our friends and our cousins…that support is felt. The rallies in the streets, the donations, the time, every single day people express how important it is for them to see that and to feel that when they are in Ukraine,” Chomiak said during her speech. “Freedom is never free, but the price we are paying now is going to be lower than if we do not pay it right now…And this is exactly why Ukraine will win. We need your help to stand with Ukraine, to continue to be part of that community that cares.”
Razom volunteers in the audience cheering on our thanks to the city of New York and New YorkersRazom President Dora Chomiak’s thank you speech
Razom was honored along with our neighbors including Astor Place Hairstylists, Bonsignour, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis and Middle Collegiate Church, Pageant Print Shop, Zinc Bar, and Regina Kellerman Award recipient Jane Friedman and Howl! Arts. The Cooper Union co-hosted the event.
Razom is thankful for all the support it has felt in New York City – home to the largest Ukrainian community in the United States.
As we go into Fourth of July weekend in the US, this year the holiday has special meaning. Fourth of July represents the root of our never-ending fight to preserve our freedom & democracy as a united people and a united country. This weekend Razom is celebrating by thanking Ukrainians for reminding us that freedom isn’t free and showing them our support as they fight for our shared values. We sincerely hope you’ll join us.
Dear Razom community,
We want you to consider infusing Ukraine into your Fourth of July celebrations this year. The Razom Advocacy team created a special site full of ideas on how to do that – from low-medium-high difficulty Ukrainian recipes, to music playlists and advocacy of course! Much like Americans were aided in their struggle for independence against a colonial power, the United States marks this Fourth of July by aiding Ukrainians in their fight to uphold their most cherished values— freedom and democracy.
We hope you will join us and use #USUAFreedom on social media so that Ukrainians, Ukrainian-Americans, and friends of Ukraine around the world can see this beautiful show of support in action.
Now on to updates on the impact your support has had on Razom’s work over the past week:
Our volunteers packed and prepared for shipping 5,744 IFAKs last week. Since the beginning of our emergency response, we’ve prepared and shipped almost 62,000 IFAKs in total.
If you want to help (in Port Reading, NJ), join our Signal group to find all the details.
In partnership with SMART Medical Aid, we have recorded masterclass videos of practical training in Basic Life Support that you can find here on Razom’s YouTube channel. Razom is committed to providing high quality medical and tactical aid and ensuring that people can easily and effectively use it.
We encourage you to share these videos with anyone who may find them useful — budding medics, volunteer emergency responders and defenders, or anyone in a war zone.
Many of the in-kind donations from amazing supporting organizations in the U.S., coordinated by the Razom Hospitals team, made it to the most in-need hospitals in Ukraine:
Our Ukrainian partners Zdorovi and Patients of Ukraine received 8 pallets of medications from the Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) which will be distributed between numerous hospitals in across the 12 most hard-hit regions of Ukraine.
Below you’ll see photos of aid in the hands of end users in those hospitals from previous in-kind donations from organizations such as Partners for World Health and Massachusetts General Hospital.
Razom procured and delivered 5 SvarMed coagulators to various hospitals across Ukraine (including Kharkiv). They aredeveloped and manufactured in Ukraine and are used while performing life saving surgical procedures to control blood loss.
The Hospitals team applied and won approval for a partnership with Airlink, a rapid-response humanitarian relief organization that links pre-qualified NGOs with commercial airlines for free air transportation of relief workers and aid cargo. We are grateful to be a part of their work and community!
After the most recent brutal attack on civilians in Ukraine (yesterday a russian airstrike hit a shopping mall in Kremenchukwhile up to 1,000 people werethere), Razom’s Advocacy team, and all of us at Razom, ask you to write and call to your representatives in government. Ask that they recognize russia as a terrorist state, a state sponsor of terrorism. Let them know that you’re watching what russia is doing in Ukraine and that it’s not okay with you. Info on how to contact can be found here.
This week we want to bring two special virtual events to your attention:
Available until Sunday, July 3,watch A Rising Fury online at the Tribeca Film Festival. Due to significant demand, this is the second time that the festival has extended the viewing window for this incredible film. Back in 2014 Razom issued a $5,000 grant, a significant sum for our organization at the time, to help fund the producing of this documentary. It follows two hopeful Ukrainian idealists from the peaceful protests in Kyiv in 2013 to the full-scale russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Pavlo and Svitlana met and fell in love at the Maidan Revolution and were filmed over 8 years with several expeditions to the frontlines of the war. Pavlo loses his family home from the invasion and joins the Ukrainian military. Both find themselves on the battle lines, protecting their land, democracy, and their relationship. You can watch the film here.
On Friday, July 1 at 1:00 pm EST, join the Razom Advocacy Team and American expert and scholar Terrell Jermaine Starr for a discussion on the importance of celebrating Ukraine on the 4th of July this year. Click here to set a reminder and join (virtually).
Meanwhile in New York:
On July 1, 10PM – 5AM at the Knockdown Center in Queens, NECHTO record label will showcase for the first time outside of Ukraine. In 2020 and 2021 the label held a series of large rave parties in Kyiv which drew thousands of attendants from 21 countries. In 2022 NECHTO was scheduled once again in Kyiv, but due to Russian aggression in Ukraine, it didn’t run. This time with an amazing lineup of talent, all ticket proceeds will go to Razom.
On Wednesday, July 27 from 6-9:30PM the Ukrainian Institute of America is hosting the Sunflower Gala fundraising for Razom’s humanitarian relief work. The evening will include a special menu designed by Veselka, and special performances by Pavlo Glyntov, Vira Slyvotzky, and Dan Bower.
Also virtually:
On Wednesday, July 13 at 1pm EST, join playwrights Anastasiia Kosodii, Lena Lagushonkova and Ukrainian theatre specialist Molly Flynn for an online discussion of theatre’s role in shaping political agency, supporting resistance efforts and community organizing in Ukraine. Produced and organized by thedramaturgs’ network in partnership with the Ukranian Institute in Kyiv, Ukrainian Institute in London and Birkbeck Centre for Contemporary Theatre, all donations from the event will go to Razom.
You might have noticed a new series of blog posts on Razom’s website in the “Updates” section titled Razom Says Dyakuyu, meaning “thank you” in Ukrainian. We want to spotlight some amazing stories of generosity, support, and simple organizing to fundraise for Razom’s work in helping Ukraine. We’ve collected a lot of these stories over the past 4+ months, and they continue to sustain us and inspire us. Below are two recent spotlights (click on the links to read the stories!).
This post is part of our series Razom Says “Dyakuyu.” Dyakuyu means “thank you” in Ukrainian. Our work supporting Ukraine and getting humanitarian aid on the ground where it is needed most, would not be possible without generous donors. We will be highlighting the work, donations, and stories of several individuals and organizations who have agreed to be publicly featured on our website.
Our amazing volunteers and donors all over the world have responded in creative ways to support Razom for Ukraine and this solidarity has taken different shapes – including that of a tasty Ukrainian dumpling, varenyk. Or more precisely, thousands of varenyky.
Inspired by their Baba, the Ukrainian word for grandmother, New York-based sisters Natalka and Yulia Horbachevsky, along with some of their cousins, organized a varenyk sale in the New York City, Westchester, and Orange county areas. A family-run pop-up fundraising initiative was born along with an Instagram account and a website called “Baba Aid for Ukraine.”
Over the course of a week, they prepared over 1,600 beautiful, half-moon potato-stuffed dumplings for friends and colleagues to purchase. In addition to all the varenyky, the Horbachevsky family cooked up 50 pounds of tsybulya, fried onions (a delicious topping for the dumplings that are also sometimes called pierogies). Proceeds from the sale went toward Razom’s Emergency Response fund. It was a big undertaking by a single family focused on providing vital support to the many families in Ukraine separated and impacted by russia’s brutal war.
Despite the massive quantity of varenyky produced, no sooner had the fundraiser been announced, the “sold out” phrase was splashed across their webpage. To anyone ever exposed to a Ukrainian baba’s cooking, this isn’t a big surprise!
And it wasn’t only the taste of varenyky with tsybulya that drew supporters, people sent money to the Horbachevsky’s account without expecting any potato dumplings in exchange. Varenyky or not, people rushed to take part in this initiative to support Razom’s humanitarian relief efforts.
“Our sales, coupled with very generous donations, far exceeded our expectations for this drive,” Natalka told Razom when she reached out asking how they could transfer $18,500 of collected funds.
Razom and all the people who we’ve been able to support on the ground in Ukraine during the war say “dyakuyu” to the Horbachevsky family for their support and the incredible cooking initiative!
Maybe you’ve been tired lately – war fatigue is real. But you need to know that Ukrainians are still doing everything they can to beat back the occupiers to build a free and prosperous Ukraine, and Razom is still doing everything it can to help. We’re paying attention, showing up, and doing the work to save lives and advocate for Ukraine, because we know that every day that we do, we get closer to victory. We cannot do it without your support.
Dear Razom community,
Above is a screenshot from one of our regular org-wide meetings that bring together Razom TacMed, Hospitals, Grants, Advocacy, Donations, and Operations teams, who span multiple countries (and continents!) and all work together towards one goal. As the war continues, Razom will not be stopping its humanitarian mission anytime soon. We are doing everything we can to increase the amount of aid that gets in the hands of Ukrainians in need and doubling down on our advocacy efforts to ensure this war ends quickly and with Ukraine victorious. This is important to all of us (not just Ukrainians). Below is a snapshot of some of our work this past week:
The TacMed team is working really hard to find supplies that converge on best quality, good price, and speedy delivery. As a result, we have supplies arriving weekly from the U.S., U.K., Canada, Lithuania, Netherlands and more to Razom’s warehouses in Ukraine, U.S. and Poland. They then get distributed by our very own team to the Ukrainian armed forces, territorial defense units, emergency responders, and key hospitals across Ukraine.
Over 300 Razom volunteers have become experts at packing IFAKs (individual first aid kits). Here’s a video where one of our lead U.S. warehouse volunteer coordinators, Andriy Boychuk, explains everything that goes inside one (and how much it costs) so that you can be an expert too. To date, the team has shipped over 51,000 IFAKs. This includes tens of thousands of tourniquets and Celox gauzes that are being packed inside or shipped separately.
Dozens of special orthopedic trauma kits have been delivered to Ukraine this week. They include orthopedic external fixators of various types, as well as tools and screws to be used by orthopedic and trauma surgeons when they perform urgent surgeries on the wounded. These kits are in extremely high demand and Razom is once again helping to fulfill the most urgent needs to save lives.
The super connectors on the Razom Hospitals Team have been unstoppable as well. This team coordinates and manages the shipment of our in-kind donations:
The team procured 88 portable patient monitors which will help to monitor the critically ill patients in hospitals and ICUs. They’re currently being distributed to hospitals across Ukraine.
The team also procured 7 pallets of KCI wound vac consumables that are already on their way to Ukraine.
MD Boris Bronfine, along with Speare Memorial Hospital, donated one Orthopedic OR Fracture Table and two Anesthesia Machines. The equipment left for Ukraine via a donated container space by the Paul Chester Childers Hope Foundation.
Razom’s latest grantee, Ukrainian Veterans’ Foundation, was awarded $120,000 toward supporting veteran-owned businesses in Ukraine. UVF is a governmental organization designed to promote the reintegration of veterans into civilian life, and providing support to veterans and their relatives, family members of the fallen, captives, and missing persons. One of the businesses they support is Ukrainian Military Coffee (Kava Military) that opened an outpost in Lviv and donated all of the profits from their opening day to Razom!
Several months ago Razom awarded its first grant to the Mykola Pyrogov First Volunteer Mobile Hospital (ПДМШ), the largest non-governmental mobile hospital in Ukraine that’s been providing mobile medical aid to civilians and soldiers since 2014. Today they work mostly in Kyiv, Izium and Kharkiv regions and run a team of 40 doctors and supporting volunteers with 20 vehicles in operation. Razom’s $70,000 grant went towards purchasing fuel, running repairs, and overhead.
Two weeks ago they evacuated Masi Nayyem, which began a long series of incredible events that saved his life. You can read the story of what it takes to rescue just one person on the front of the war in Ukraine here. Masi’s brother is Mustafa Nayyem, an Afghan-Ukrainian journalist, former member of parliament, and public figure who’s famous for starting the Maidan Revolution in Ukraine with a facebook post.
Part of our motivation for awarding grants to home-grown organizations in Ukraine, like ПДМШ, is to help build institutions that strengthen the country. Razom has vetted to support over 90 organizations thus far through its Grant program and Partner program and we’re working to built a network of these institutions to ensure we foster connections and relationships among them that build a more prosperous Ukraine for the long term.
Before you read any further, Razom’s Advocacy team (and the rest of us at Razom) ask you to stop what you’re doing and follow this link to contact your representatives. Ukraine ending this war by winning is the key to stopping russian aggression and the crises in Ukraine and around the world that it has spawn. By making your voice heard, you can make a difference!
If you missed the Advocacy Team’s Twitter space last Friday, you can listen to it here. They’ll host another one this Friday at 1:00 pm EST. Meanwhile here’s a quick recap of what they’ve been up to the past week:
The team is expanding its knowledge base and working closely with Ukrainian civil society to have Ukraine’s voice be heard within the U.S. and on the Hill. The Advocacy Team’s success is in its cooperation with thought leaders and decision makers.
Some of the folks they met with last week:
Toma Istomina, Deputy Chief Editor at the Kyiv Independent (an independent Ukrainian media outlet) and one of Forbes 30 under 30 Europe 2022,
Michael Bociurkiw, global affairs analyst, journalist, Sr. Fellow at the Atlantic Council,
Sevgil Musayeva, Ukrainian journalist from Crimea, Ukraine and Chief-Editor of internet publishing Ukrayinska Pravda, one of the founders of KrymSOS, and TOP 100 most influential people in the world in 2022 according to TIME,
Terrell Jermaine Starr, host of the #BlackDiplomats Podcast and Sr. Fellow at the Atlantic Council.
Below is a roundup of events (info panels, concerts, film screenings, gallery shows, and other fun/informative community gatherings) we most recommend you check out. Engage with brilliant voices from Ukraine and find exciting ways to support fundraising efforts.
In Florida: On June 21, 9-10AM Athleta & Lakewood Ranch Yoga of Sarasota, Florida are running a special yoga class “Summer Soulstice for Ukraine”, a donation-based session put together with peace for Ukraine in mind, benefiting Razom’s Emergency Response.
In New York:
Until June 23rd, Gallery Arte Azulejoin partnership with Mila Rabij Arts Consulting to presentYana Bystrova: Approaching a Chaotic Reality. Currently based in Paris, Bystrova is from Kyiv and is a third generation artist in her family. Her work has evolved from figurative to abstract and hybrid forms of expression, with a strong conceptual emphasis on color, the ambiguity of perception, and interpretation.
On Saturday, June 25, 5-8PM the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club Boathouse will host a concert by Ukrainian Village Voices at the Creekers Jamboree. Ukrainian Village Voices is a NYC-based collective of Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian singers whose mission is to preserve and revive the polyphonic singing style of Ukraine’s villages. All donations are going to Razom.
On July 1, 10PM – 5AM at the Knockdown Center in Queens, NECHTO record label will showcase for the first time outside of Ukraine. In 2020 and 2021 the label held a series of large rave parties in Kyiv which drew thousands of attendants from 21 countries. In 2022 NECHTO was scheduled once again in Kyiv, but due to Russian aggression in Ukraine, it didn’t run. This time with an amazing lineup of talent, all ticket proceeds will go to Razom.
On Wednesday, July 27 from 6-9:30PM the Ukrainian Institute of America is hosting the Sunflower Gala fundraising for Razom’s humanitarian relief work. The evening will include a special menu designed by Veselka, and special performances by Pavlo Glyntov, Vira Slyvotzky, and Dan Bower.
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.
In D.C.:
On Sunday, June 26 at 4PM, Washington Chamber Orchestra will hold a Benefit Concert at the Church of the Epiphany in Washington, D.C to help support the Ukrainian refugees and families suffering in Ukraine and nearby countries. 100% of proceeds will go to the Life and Tree Church in Prague, which delivers aid directly to refugees in Ukraine and neighboring countries.
On Sunday, June 26, 5PM at the Washington National Cathedral Maestro Shafer conducts Ein deutsches Requiem—described by Brahms as his “human” Requiem. The City Choir of Washington dedicates this concert to the people of Ukraine: in memory of the victims of war in Ukraine, and for those who mourn. Her Excellency Oksana Markarova, Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States, is the honorary patron of this concert.
In Ohio:
On Saturday, June 25 at 7PMthe Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America will perform “Amplify The Voice: A Benefit Concert For Ukraine” at the Cleveland Orchestra with ticket proceeds benefiting Razom.
In Pennsylvania: On Sunday, June 26 from 6:30-8PM the Pittsburgh Ukrainian community is hosting a concert at Carnegie Carnegie Music Hall to raise funds for humanitarian aid for Ukraine (including Razom’s work).
Online/virtually: FairTrade Caravans is hosting a fundraising event to benefit Razom for the month of June. Their unique fair trade products are made or grown with: no child labor, fair pay, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices.
Thank you so much for reading this newsletter, for keeping up to date with Razom, and for your support of Ukraine. We’re so glad to be on this journey together.
This post is part of our series Razom Says “Dyakuyu.” Dyakuyu means “thank you” in Ukrainian. Our work supporting Ukraine and getting humanitarian aid on the ground where it is needed most, would not be possible without the generous donors. We will be highlighting the work, donations, and stories of several individuals and organizations who have agreed to be publicly featured on our website.
Razom for Ukraine was honored to be selected as one of the recipients of the New York Jets donations to aid Ukrainian relief efforts. Razom was awarded $100,000 in May as part of the Jets overall $1 million donation to support Ukraine that will be split among different organizations over the course of this year.
For the well-known National Football League franchise, supporting Ukraine during this brutal war is personal for the Jets owners, the Johnson family. Suzanne Johnson, wife of Jets Chairman Robert Wood Johnson, is Ukrainian-American and grew up in a Ukrainian neighborhood in New York.
Mrs. Johnson’s family story echoes that of thousands of Ukrainians who now proudly call the United States their home. Mrs. Johnson’s mother, Marie, was born to Ukrainian immigrant parents and her father, Stefan Ircha, immigrated all by himself to the United States from the western city of Ternopil at the age of 21 following World War II.
“He came to this country for opportunity after the war. He went through Red Cross, then to a local Ukrainian church that aided him in getting an apartment and brought him into the community,” Mrs. Johnson told the New York Post. “He met my mother [Marie] at a Ukrainian dance, got married and had their family. When I grew up, I grew up in a very solid Ukrainian community.
Mrs. Johnson was introduced to Razom through shared connections in the Ukrainian-American community. She said it was important for her to help provide aid and bring awareness to the war.
“The money, they’re going to need for a long time for rebuilding and for the aid. It’s going to be there. So I just hope we could start something going. The world has been quite generous and I just hope it continues to be that way,” Mrs. Johnson told the Associated Press in April when the donation effort kicked off.
“These donations will positively impact Ukrainian refugees and their families with essential supplies,” said New York Jets Chairman Robert Wood Johnson. “The need for resources is continuously growing. Our thoughts continue to be with the innocent lives who have been affected and all those who are suffering.”
Additionally, the Jets have offered to take a group of displaced Ukrainian families from the tristate area to a football game in August, giving them VIP treatment and the opportunity to experience an American football game.
Along with the donation to Razom, the Jets are matching all medical supplies donations given by their staff. The Jets have also supported friends of Razom including Plast Scouting – USA and the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA) as part of their donation efforts.
Razom and all the people who we’ve been able to support on the ground in Ukraine during the war say, “dyakuyu,” to the New York Jets.
Last week we got to channel some of our massive gratitude. For the first time ever, the Ukrainian community was invited to participate in the 37th Annual Immigrants Parade in NYC this past Saturday. In the spirit of unity, Ukrainians showed up to hold signs thanking our fellow immigrants for the solidarity of their countries with Ukraine. This unity must remain at the center of our actions, and your support means more than you know! Thank you for continuing to show up for, and support, Ukraine.
Dear Razom community,
Sometimes it feels like we don’t say “thank you!” enough simply because we can’t get to sending a receipt of your donation fast enough. But please know that we see you and we are immensely grateful for your support, allowing us to continue to focus on making maximum impact in saving lives in Ukraine. Here’s the work we’ve been up to since last week:
Razom and SMART Medical Aid made their second stop on the “Let’s start our hearts together” campaign this time in Dnipro. We conducted another free CPR training in downtown,and installed three more automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) across the most crowded areas of the city.
Our volunteer activity at the NJ warehouse was at its peak last week after we had to take a short break in sorting and packing due to a shortage of tourniquets on the market. Maintaining high quality of the supplies we procure and/or deliver to Ukraine is one of our top priorities as it can be the difference between losing and saving a life. If you know some Ukrainian, you can hear a first hand account here of a tourniquet in an IFAK packed by our amazing volunteers saving a life.
Some updates from our Hospitals Team who coordinates and manages the shipment of our in-kind donations, which continue to come in steadily from our amazing community of individual donors and partnering organizations:
The Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) has donated 8 pallets of medications to our partners Zdorovi and Patients of Ukraine, the shipment is already on its way.
Our warehouse team in Ukraine received yet another generous donation from Americares that included medications for rare diseases and other urgent medical supplies that we’ve delivered to hospitals in eastern Ukraine.
In partnership with SMART Medical Aid, we procured, delivered and distributed medical equipment like a C-Arm X-Ray Machine and Anesthesia Machine for hospitals in Ukraine.
Remember that sea container we shipped in early-April of FIGS Scrubs and durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs and walkers) from University of Massachusetts Medical Center and the Elmhurst/Coney Island Hospital? Well it arrived in Ukraine this week! Our partners Zdorovi are coordinating the distribution of these supplies to hospitals need across Ukraine.
Last week our volunteers sorted for shipment 2 pallets-worth of medical supplies donated by various private individuals to Ukraine. Some of the supplies included 3 boxes of ophthalmology medications and supplies that we’ll be delivering to EyeCare for Ukraine.
Make sure you don’t miss reading the heartfelt letter of gratitude we received from a Lviv Clinical Hospital of Emergency and Intensive Care after our donation last week. It underlines how important it is to support Ukrainian healthcare system and infrastructure right now.
The Razom Grant team continues to vet grassroots initiatives in Ukraine that are responding quickly to the needs of civilians and IDPs in Ukraine, and awarding grants to further and accelerate their work. Below is a spotlight of one of those groups:
The “First Ukrainian Association of Chefs” was awarded $30,000 towards uniting Kharkiv kitchens and volunteers to deliver ready-made meals to people in shelters, Kharkiv subway stations, remote areas, and small villages in the Kharkiv region. Well-known chef and the founder of the First Ukrainian Association of Chefs, Oleksiy Latkin, was forced to move with his family from Kharkiv to Chernivtsi. His thoughts remained with those who were less fortunate and couldn’t leave, so Oleksiy started to procure and deliver groceries for Kharkiv residents and distribute them with the help of his friends and fellow chefs.
Razom’s grant enabled the team to deliver around 9800 hot dinners and 4285 food packages to the most vulnerable populations of Kharkiv. Everyday volunteers worked around the clock to deliver 500 to 900 hot meals to subway stations, shelters, and Kharkiv districts that suffered from the enemy’s bombardments. Food packages were provided to people in Rogan, Pivnichna Saltivka, Kholodna Gora, Zhukovsky, and other areas most affected by the war.
Razom continues to support the First Ukrainian Association of Chiefs and has recently provided a second grant that will help Kharkiv residents.
Razom’s Advocacy team will host Twitter spaces every Friday at 1:00 pm EST where you can learn about what’s been done to support Ukraine through this brutal invasion and war, and what everyone can do next. Catch last week’s recording of Ukrainian Days in D.C. Twitter Space here! A quick recap:
Over a 2-day period, the Razom team split up to meet with over 20 Congressional Offices across both parties.
In those meetings they asked for the following:
That russia be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism
Increased sanctions on russian banks
Provide longer range artillery to save lives
Stop illegal child deportations
Increase USAID funding to Ukrainian organizations
If you or Ukrainians you know require help inside the tristate area after recently traveling to the U.S. from Ukraine, please share info about Razom’s next immigration clinic, sponsored by the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG):
Наступна імміграційна клініка (консультація) із питань ТПС (temporary protected status): https://forms.gle/i8KbhdEaouicp3gE6 Безкоштовна допомога і наші партнери спонсорують реєстраційні збори. Четвер, 16 ЧЕРВНЯ 2022, початок о 09-00 ранку Подія проходитиме у приміщенні Церкви Корнерстоун. Місце: 59 Cooper Square, Lower Level, New York, NY 10003 (біля Astor Place в Українському Селі)
The East Village in New York City is where Razom was born back in 2014 and even though today our community spans the globe, and our work several countries, the Ukrainian Village will always be our home. So it is a great honor to be a part of the 2022 Annual Meeting and Village Awards hosted by Village Preservation and The Cooper Union TODAY at 6pm at the historic Great Hall.
Village Preservation is celebrating its work over the past year to protect the architectural and cultural heritage of Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo and their event will also honor the diverse people, businesses, and organizations that help to make those neighborhoods so special. Razom is being honored along with some other neighborhood institutions. Please join us to pre-register for the event and celebration here.
Below is a roundup of events (info panels, concerts, film screenings, gallery shows, and other fun/informative community gatherings) we most recommend you check out. Engage with brilliant voices from Ukraine and find exciting ways to support fundraising efforts.
Until June 23rd, Gallery Arte Azulejoin partnership with Mila Rabij Arts Consulting to presentYana Bystrova: Approaching a Chaotic Reality. Currently based in Paris, Bystrova is from Kyiv and is a third generation artist in her family. Her work has evolved from figurative to abstract and hybrid forms of expression, with a strong conceptual emphasis on color, the ambiguity of perception, and interpretation.
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.
In Ohio:
On Saturday, June 25 at 7pmthe Ukrainian Bandurist Chorus of North America will perform “Amplify The Voice: A Benefit Concert For Ukraine” at the Cleveland Orchestra with ticket proceeds benefiting Razom.
In Pennsylvania: On Sunday, June 26 from 6:30-8pm the Pittsburgh Ukrainian community is hosting a concert at Carnegie Carnegie Music Hall to raise funds for humanitarian aid for Ukraine (including Razom’s work).
Online/virtually: FairTrade Caravans is hosting a fundraising event to benefit Razom for the month of June. Their unique fair trade products are made or grown with: no child labor, fair pay, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices.
Thank you so much for reading this newsletter, for keeping up to date with Razom, and for your support of Ukraine. We’re so glad to be on this journey together.
Humanitarian, Philanthropist and Activist, former Second Lady Tipper Gore has donated a total of $1 million to the Ukrainian-American nonprofit, Razom for Ukraine. The funds are being used to provide immediate humanitarian aid to Ukrainians on the ground. The former Second Lady has long been involved in disaster relief efforts across the globe and is now working with Razom to ensure that Ukrainians receive critically-needed aid and supplies.
“Razom’s mission, to save lives and support on-the-ground efforts in Ukraine, is as vital as it is awe-inspiring.”
Tipper Gore
Razom for Ukraine mobilized its emergency response project to deliver vital humanitarian aid, including medical and hospital supplies since the Russian invasion began. This outreach has allowed Razom to build and deepen relationships with other nonprofit organizations in local hotspots, to coordinate the collection of donations, aggregate medical supplies, and deliver trainings to Ukrainian physicians. Tipper Gore’s donation will help Razom’s efforts to provide Ukraine with life-saving aid and resources.
“Razom’s mission, to save lives and support on-the-ground efforts in Ukraine, is as vital as it is awe-inspiring. Philanthropic support allows Razom to significantly expand its capabilities and scale its efforts as Russia’s unjustified, egregious attack rages on. I am proud to share that I am supporting Razom’s efforts in Ukraine, in the hope that it encourages others to do the same. As someone who has seen the effects of war firsthand in Zaire, I understand how critical Razom’s work is both now, and going forward. In this fight, the Ukrainian people have been a beacon of democracy for those who value their freedom from tyranny. The Russian invasion must be stopped to avoid pain for years and generations to come,” said Gore.
The first $900,000 of her contribution is being used to send direct aid to Ukraine, while the remaining $100,000 contribution is going toward expanding capacity.
Donations like Gore’s have allowed Razom to invest over $32.7M into the nonprofit’s emergency response efforts:
$19M went toward delivering life-saving tactical medicine and medical supplies to territorial defense units, hospitals, and field hospitals, all in active combat zones across Ukraine.
$9.9M went toward providing non-medical humanitarian aid such as communications resources that help ensure safe and effective delivery of aid
$1.7M went toward funding grants issued by Razom to organizations and initiatives that help civilians in combat zones and/or internally displaced persons
$1.1M went toward carrying out Razom’s logistic chain
$591K went toward procuring vehicles to deliver aid and help evacuate children, families, and wounded persons
$84K went toward aiding Razom’s advocacy work
“We are deeply honored to receive support from someone with such a textured history of advocacy, compassion, and philanthropy as Tipper Gore. Any and all contributions enable us to remain resolute in our mission to build a free and prosperous Ukraine. As such, we are immensely grateful to the former Second Lady for her generous contribution, one which I hope will inspire others to support our mission,” said Dora Chomiak, President of Razom. “Every cent given to us supports our emergency response and advocacy efforts, which embody a singular purpose right now: to save lives in Ukraine.”
Razom has directed most of its efforts to delivering critical humanitarian aid on the ground in Ukraine. Razom will continue its mission of building a free, democratic, and prosperous Ukraine and amplifying Ukrainian voices.
