CEDAR CITY, Utah — Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has left a lot of people worried and slightly confused. However, it affected Ukrainian people’s lives the most. They are in constant fear of attack, forcing many out of their homes at a moment’s notice. The world has put a massive foot forward to help the people these effects affected the most. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively have also made efforts to support the Ukrainians. While Reynolds and Lively decided to match donations, every person’s contribution means a world of difference to the people of Ukraine.
Personal Crisis of Ukrainians
Ukraine has been all over the news for a while now. The current climate has left a good deal of the country in ruin, as well as the residents. Russian attacks, which began on February 24, 2022, have forced many people from their homes. These victims are finding refuge wherever they can, fleeing to underground train stations, and neighboring countries in hopes of finding a safe haven. The U.N. anticipates that 12 million Ukrainians will require aid to survive the troubling times, and 4 million that have already fled Ukraine will need protection and help to rebuild their lives. Fortunately, there are many hands going to work helping these victims caught in the crossfire.
Efforts to Help
Famous actors and humanitarians Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively pledged to match donations to the United States Association for The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees up to $1 million, thereby doubling the efforts to aid. Members of this organization were on the ground in Ukraine, trying to help those thrust into the unknown, but resources were wearing thin. The actors pledged their generous amount on February 26, and 48 hours later, Reynolds’ and Lively’s followers raised $1 million, meeting the challenge. When asked about their decision to donate, Reynolds replied, “I just can’t imagine what it feels like to be told that you got to leave your home, let alone with 15 minutes’ notice…We were just feeling a tremendous amount of empathy for the displaced families in Ukraine.”
Even though the offer to match donations from Reynolds and Lively has ended, UNHCR is still taking donations, and doing as much as they can for those still struggling. Every donation helps to provide “emergency supplies, lifesaving care, and protection.”
Celebrities putting their names to a cause can make a huge difference in the lives of those they help. But every person’s efforts to help also make an impact. Lively and Reynolds’ pledge to match donations made twice the impact only because of the people who were willing to donate what they had to reach the $1 million. Every stone thrown in water makes a ripple, no matter its size.
– Kelsey Jensen
Photo: Wikimedia Commons