Zhyty Khochu Brings Relief to War-torn Ukraine

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, much of the world was caught by surprise. Describing the impact on the people of Ukraine – as in any war – is difficult for even the best of journalists. Tragedy so often inspires courage, courage inspires action, and action can bring hope to people who feel they have none. This is a story of courage, action and hope in midst of war-torn Ukraine. And GCF is humbled to play a very small part.

It wasn’t long before relief efforts began bringing needed supplies to the people of Ukraine. But Sam Finkelman, a US citizen living and working in Ukraine, noticed a problem. A lot of supplies were being delivered to the Ukrainian border and dropped off. Left for others to pick up, store and distribute. And that meant delays, risk, and the potential for unmet needs to remain unmet. With contacts in Kyiv, at hospitals, and with organizations on the ground ready to put new resources to work, Sam reached back to a network of friends and former classmates in the US to begin raising money, purchasing supplies, and organizing delivery all the way to the people in need.

Not long after war broke out, Givio received a call from an advisor. Turns out that one of our advisors had heard about a fellow alumni from Woodberry Forest, a private school in Virginia, who was organizing fundraising and relief efforts in Ukraine. Our advisor asked if we could help in some way. And that’s how we met the team.

One of Sam’s friends, Philip Rogers, was busy working on infrastructure here in the US. His team had incorporated a new entity, Zhyty Khochu, and was preparing to file paper work to obtain tax exempt status, among other compliance and due diligence efforts. (“Zhyty khochu” means “I want to live.”) But there was so much to do, and the people of Ukraine were in need of as much support as they could get … now, not after IRS approval arrived. And Sam was already organizing supply purchases. And with no experience fundraising, the Zhyty team was feeling a bit overwhelmed. So Givio Charitable Foundation lent a hand.

By crafting an initial fundraising campaign and taking on fiscal sponsorship responsibilities, GCF helped to expedite the early fundraising efforts for Zhyty Khochu. Within a very short period of time, nearly $100,000 had been raised for a brand new organization. And thanks to a network of volunteers on the ground, needed medical and economic supplies began to flow into Ukraine, bringing help and hope to people caught in a war they cannot escape..

Sam’s and Philip’s story is not the only act of courage, action and hope in Ukraine. But it is an inspiring reminder of how any one of us might be presented with an opportunity to help others. What may seem like an insurmountable task at first – how do I help friends suffering in the midst of a war? – can be tackled with courage, determination … and friends to share the load.

Zhyty Khochu continues to do amazing work. GCF has been proud to play a small role to help the Zhyty Khochu team. If you’d like to make a donation to the Zhyty efforts, please visit their giving page.

About Zhyty Knochu.

Headquartered in Norfolk, VA, Zhyty Knochu provides medical and economic relief to people in Eastern European nations impacted by war, natural disasters and other emergencies. Learn more about their great work by visiting their website.