SOCIALACTION
WHEN THE RUBBER HITS THE ROAD
Every day, thousand of refugees are crossing the Ukrainian borders. A very human response would be: "Millions of people, I am just one - how would my help possibly make a difference". There is a saying, no snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible. We understand and we do not judge.
But we value action over words. Hence we drive action.
THE UKRAINIAN CRISIS - AND WHAT WE CAN DO
The founder of EXO-ONE decided to take action and raised money and collected inkind donation (primarily medicine) for the Polish/Ukrainian border, in the week of March 7. The support at the border is amazing and indeed there is very little, an invidual can do to help (without standing in way of the structured and organized help). In case you want to do your own thing, please go for it, maybe this is helpful for you.
INSIGHTS
Be aware that the Ukrainians who made it across the border had to wait up to 16hrs to leave the country. Prior to the queuing at the border, they had a long and very unpleasant journey, leaving their homes in fear and uncertainty. Arrived in the foreign country, they are exposed to human trafficking.
2l Shampoo bottles are not helpful in such a setting.
DO YOU CONSIDER HELPING? HERE IS SOME ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERIENCE
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Try to figure out, WHAT your help could be. There are a lot of organizations in Europe, already helping, sending people to the borders with a very clear list of tasks to be done.
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The Ukrainians at the border to not speak English.
Come with translated printouts (large letters!), being clear with what you are offering. (see downloads)
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There is a risk of human trafficking happening. Yes its miserable. If you plan to offer a ride to one of the next bigger cities, don’t be surprised if these women do not trust you. Being man & woman helps, gaining trust.
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If you are able to communicate with the Ukrainians, ask them about what happened in their lifes, the past two/three weeks.. Don’t be shy to tackle the topic. Talking is medicine and they are happy to share their experience with you.
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If you are not able to help on location, please donate. Organizations need money, these people need money. If you want to support our mission, we are grateful for every support possible. All the money we receive, will be handed to our passengers.
Transport, Car, Fuel, Accommodation is self funded — we will NOT use your money for our own needs.
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Remember: all you give/donate has to be carried. Large Bottles of Shampoo are heavy. No one would want to carry those. Small packages work best.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR FUNDRAISER. EVERY DONATION WILL BE PAID OUT IN CASH TO A UKRAINIAN REFUGEE!
DOWNLOADS & Helpful Information
Unless you speak Ukrainian, you will need signage for support on location.
Here is what we are using, feel free to download and use it, as well.
DOWNLOADS
HELPFUL LINKS
WAREHOUSE