The horrors of Bucha in the aftermath of Russian occupation feel overwhelming. Debilitating. Shattering. 

The war criminal Putin and the Russian soldiers who are without honor, heart or soul have perpetrated unforgivable crimes against the people of Ukraine and all humanity. 

A few miles or half a world away, what can be done?

I have only a small answer, but small things are sometimes the way to start, and we must do what we can, where we can, with what we have .

I am not the only one who feels like this; others are also using their skills and energy to resist the evil, mitigate the horror and bring hope to those who live this trauma. 

Elle, (Laura Paduch) of @ellepedottir on IG and www.ellepedottir.com on the web is one such person. I am fortunate to have met her through the Inktober prompts and am sharing her project for Ukraine here, in her own words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After several days of trying to find a way to get funds directly to the AWO Kiel organization (I am in the US) without luck, Laura and I came up with this idea:

Donate to your favorite Ukraine support cause. Chef Jose Andres World Central Kitchen has an exceptionally high rating and is feeding thousands daily. You can also honor Laura’s efforts in the donation form if you wish.

Doctors Without Borders and the International Red Cross are also reputable agencies with boots on the ground in Ukraine and other places.

Elle’s idea to use her talents to alleviate suffering gives me hope for our species. Locally, I have seen young people hold bake sales with proceeds going to the International Red Cross; there is a 5K run coming up and profits will be sent to Ukraine.

Small things, but many small things together against this horror may save us yet.

I know that doing nothing dooms us all.