901 for Ukraine

Hi, my name is Oksana Piven. I am from a town called Rava-Rus’ka in Ukraine. I write this alongside my new friend Nikodem Niziolek, who has helped get my family to safety in his family’s guest home in Parczew, Poland. Now that my family is safe, we feel the need to help the rest of Ukraine. 

As you all may know, on the morning of February 24th, 2022, the people of Ukraine woke up to a nightmare of war. That same morning, Nikodem called me to ask about my family. My mom, dad, and sister were stuck in their town, and he immediately offered to welcome them to his parent's house in Poland. He saved my family’s life, even though we had only known each other for two weeks. After more than 48 hours of horrific border crossing, they were finally safe. Once they got there, they traveled to help other people whose lives were destroyed by the war, and they quickly set up connections to send supplies back to Ukraine. We want to help. 

Of the 1.7 million who have fled Ukraine, a little more than 1 million have relocated to Poland. Both countries are experiencing shortages in supplies, including medicine, food and clothing. Our goal is to raise $20,000 in the next 7 days. We will purchase some supplies in Poland, but we will likely ship most unavailable products from the United States. 

Nikodem and I are blessed to be a part of the great Memphis community. Coming from Europe, we quickly understood that Memphis is all about making a real impact in people's lives. 

We invite you to unite with us and change Ukrainian lives! 

We plan to fly to Poland in 7-10 days to help my sister and father distribute supplies to refugees and the brave men and women who stayed to protect the freedom of their country.

Link to Daily Memphian article 

Link to Action News 5 story 

Link to ABC24 News story