John,

We're breaking records! In the last week, more of us have donated to our community's Ukraine fundraiser than to any other fundraising campaign in SumOfUs' ten year history.

This incredible outpouring has brought hope and life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable people on the ground -- people other major humanitarian efforts often overlook and ignore. This is what we can do together: crowdsource unprecedented funding and direct it to the bravest activists in the middle of the toughest fights.

In a matter of just days we've been able to rush hundreds of thousands of dollars to groups working on the frontline, with more on the way, including:

• Mission Lifeline, running convoys to the Slovak-Ukrainian border to support those fleeing the conflict;
• Urgent Action Fund, sending emergency grants to women, trans, and non-binary activists and human rights defenders in Ukraine;
• Outright International, supporting organisations in Ukraine and neighbouring countries to help LGBTQ people in search of shelter, safety and security;
• Libereco, mobilising volunteers to get humanitarian and medical aid to people in Ukraine and offering psychosocial support;
• and several more, including other small volunteer groups providing emergency relief and evacuation transport.

In the weeks to come, we're sure to hear stories of the people these frontline heroes have been able to help, of lives forever changed. In the meantime -- thank you. For being part of this community, and for responding to this moment with such solidarity and generosity.

As a Ukrainian with friends and family living in fear and uncertainty, I can't thank you enough. 

- Yulia, with Danny, Yasmin, Emma, and the rest of the SumOfUs team

P.S. You can read the original email we sent below.

John,

Ukraine's people are in panic, hiding in basements and subway stations while the ground above them shakes from bombardment.

A few vetted charities on the ground are positioned for immediate help -- from medical support to evacuation to providing food and water. But we know how slow governments are to intervene.

We are different. Thousands of donations from our community right now could go directly to these groups, with no red tape. They could have the money in hours, not days or weeks. Give to Ukrainians who need an urgent lifeline — everything raised will be sent to groups on the ground:

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While governments focus on sanctioning Russia's oligarchs and other diplomatic interventions, it won't stop the troops already pouring over the borders or the missiles bombarding cities and airports.

Someone needs to help the Ukrainian people, now.

Nowhere is safe. Towns across the country are being attacked. Brave organisations on the ground are already funnelling refugees to safety at the border, giving urgent medical care to civilians, helping to ensure shelters are open, accessible, and repaired, and bringing food and shelter to those who need it most. Others are rushing to help medics who will work tirelessly to stem the loss of life.

Nobody can get these groups a quick influx of donations as fast as we can. Let's show our solidarity with Ukrainians and get them the assistance they urgently need — everything we raise will be passed on to the front lines:

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