Benson Family Ukrainian "Starfish Rescue"

Julie and OT Benson are living abroad in Poland. An already large family, they are welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their home as a place of refuge, shelter and joy in the most trying of times. They are using their own money and contributions from friends & colleagues to clothe, house, feed and even purchase airline tickets and bus tickets for these fellow human beings in need.

Julie and OT do not like to ask others for money, so we've set up this "go fund me" to provide direct financial assistance to the Benson family. The funds will be used to assist the Bensons in supporting Ukrainians fleeing for their lives. PLEASE BE AWARE: This money is NOT going to a certified non-profit. It is going DIRECTLY to the Benson Family to be used in Poland. If you are not comfortable donating directly to a person, we hope you will contribute to another certified cause to help people fleeing Ukraine. In addition, the Benson's will donate any "excess" funds to a local agency or church supporting refugees.

Here is the GMA feature: https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/family/video/american-family-poland-helps-20-ukrainian-refugees-84028855

Below is an excerpt from one of their recent posts:

*** PUT YOUR SHOULDER TO THE WHEEL ***

I’m sure most of us feel like we know how we would act if we were in a particularly tough situation. But today I am reminded of that old pioneer phrase “put your shoulder to the wheel” to describe the simple act of getting engaged and DOING SOMETHING (even if it is hard) when there is work to be done.

As I mentioned yesterday, we have 19 people at our house this week including our family plus 2 big refugee families. Well, after I got up up early this morning and left to fly to Brazil on a week long business trip Julie decided she wanted to do more…18hrs later after arriving in São Paulo I got this text:

“Okay, I know I’m crazy, but this morning I called Lance Foster to ask if I could go to go to border with him so I can see if I could help someone. We just picked up a mom and her 3 year old daughter to stay our house for 2 days. I just can’t say no when I look at her daughter’s face. Sorry. I just can’t turn my head and pretend I can’t help.”

I asked where they would sleep because we were out of beds, pads, sleeping bags, pillows, or even a room to put them in! Julie simply answered, “Our room. I’m on the couch.”

Dang, I love this woman!