A laptop to help Lena survive.

Hi. My name is Christine Lawless. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m an Australian who lives in Brisbane and I’m a counsellor. I met Lena Demme through Airbnb.

When the war started in Ukraine it was suggested by Airbnb to hosts such as me, we could help other Ukrainian Airbnb hosts by making bookings through Airbnb and the funds would reach those people to assist their needs. We did this and booked a few Airbnb ‘experiences’. One of the people we supported was Lena who gives wine tours in Kyiv amongst other things. We stayed in touch and our correspondence continues. Without a doubt I could now call Lena a friend. And she is a friend currently in need. I’m hoping we can all help, even just a little.

Lena’s only opportunity to earn a living at the moment, is with the use of a laptop. Hers has just died and she needs another to continue to work with local wineries that she cannot get to easily and safely. In order to sell wines she also needs her laptop. She has only a few hours each day with any electricity and so can only work those few short hours. Without a laptop, this is impossible.

It is coming into winter in Kyiv, Ukraine and with what I have observed (from the safety of my life in Brisbane) of Lena’s challenges so far, there is a real need to be as generous as possible in support for her to get this laptop. The amount being raised is enough for Lena to be able to find a laptop she can use.

I had never known anyone from Ukraine before Lena. I am now entirely in love with her people. The stories from the war have been shared by Lena and sometimes directly through her eyes and yes, sometimes they are horrific. But still Lena is authentic, so real, bright, optimistic, humorous. She serves everyone and anyone she can in and around Ukraine and stays in her country to be there for those who cannot leave.

Every morning when I wake up I check on her, as do many who stay in touch with Lena from all over the world. She reminds me of all that is good in the world, inspires me to keep optimistic and grateful for all that I have. I am so very thankful to have come to know her and one day I will get to Ukraine and take one of her wine tours!

But for now, Id really like to be able to give her a laptop so she can get some income through the winter. Will you please help me do this? Even just as little as $10? Anything at all, and let’s get this money as quickly as possible across to Lena.

I have added a little extra onto the amount because of donation fees and money transfer fees.

If you would also like to connect with Lena, just let me know and I can give you her contact and Facebook profile details. However here is her Airbnb wine tour link to take a look at. The reviews themselves say a lot about this beautiful human. https://abnb.me/EkwansNSVub

Thank you for your help and trust. Christine