When I asked about people making humanitarian runs into Ukraine- Kyiv and around- I was told it happens, and it happens a lot but people don’t advertise it. They just do it. They may announce the day or night before in case there are things they can take, but people are doing what they feel compelled to do and don’t showcase it. This rings true though I wonder if this is a characteristic of a people or the necessity of a time.
A Ukrainian family at the train station.
Bartolomeo, artist and one of the co founders of the artists collective, CCA Squirrel, the space where Soup for Ukraine is located. They are looking to host a Ukrainian artist - or more than one- to sponsor with a work space.
CCA Squirrel, where Soup for Ukraine is located
A special delivery of a few jars of pickled tomatoes in honor of the one the woman in Kyiv threw at a Russian drone last week.
Kasia, one of the founders of Soup for Ukraine
A volunteer makes a small child laugh while his mom delivers or picks up soup.
Udaj is volunteering as part of his company’s volunteer day. He told about how he’s suggested his company not just send out volunteers and donations to non profits but provide support for the Ukrainians that work within the company- for example a colleague lives in a flat that she rented for herself, but now has a sudden the sudden expense of buying/renting a bigger home so that she can accommodate her family from Ukraine.
Kamila came here with 9 jars and stayed on to volunteer. She says they are scared, make no mistake about it because Poland might be next. Some people aren’t excited about taking care of refugees because they fear it will anger and provoke Putin. She keeps herself busy to keep the worry at bay.
Krzysztof runs a place for refugees. It’s in the space of a vacant storefront on a busy street. Vacant no longer, the light is always on and there is someone to greet refugees at most hours of the night. He, himself makes humanitarian runs into the heart of Ukraine, leaving generators, medical supplies, food, toiletries and clothing. Showing me pictures I see that he wears a suit and tie and I asked why he would be so uncomfortably dressed for a trip that might be better in sweat pants. He says he dresses for his funeral, if he is killed he will be ready for burial. He has been shot once and his bullet proof vest saved him. He has guns that he buries in the forest on the other side of the border. And he’s been kidnapped by Ukrainian bandits. Tomorrow he goes to Mariupol. The way it’s been told to me, no one has made it in to deliver aid.
Krzysztof holds up the vest with the bullet lodged in it on the left and the vest he currently wears on the right.
A white board of needs for the facility. Krzysztof accepts everyone there and turns no one away even if it means putting them up in his own home.
The front room is packed with supplies to be loaded for delivery into Ukraine.
Locals deliver muffins and bread they baked for the refugees.