Suitcases for Ukrainian Refugees

Since February 24th, over 2 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland. Many are women and children who arrive at the border having walked miles carrying all their belongings in plastic bags. Some mothers make the journey carrying a child in one arm and bags in the other. For those fortunate enough to have luggage, the wheels have broken by the time they’ve reached the border. Many refugees will be living out of their suitcase – their home on wheels - until they can return to Ukraine.

My name is Thury Foster. I’m a State Farm agent in Seattle, WA, and I’m raising funds to buy suitcases for Ukrainian refugees crossing the border into Poland. In April, I will be joining my brother Lance in Krakow, Poland. Lance runs AZCOMP Technologies in Mesa, AZ and has been in Poland since March 11th helping to transport refugees from the Medyka border crossing to the Krakow train station, a 6-hour trip by car. Lance also pays for their hotel rooms providing temporary relief for families who do not have a place to stay, so they have time to rest and regroup until they figure out where to go next. Lance has tried to give Ukrainian refugees money directly, but they refuse. He’s discovered the Ukrainian people will not take what they do not need. But recently, he found something almost every Ukrainian refugee needs — suitcases.

To date, we have purchased and hand delivered over 750 suitcases to hundreds of families. The reception has been exceedingly positive. There is a HUGE need for wheeled suitcases.

Why Ukrainian refugees need wheeled suitcases:
·  Helps consolidate multiple plastic bags of personal belongings into one suitcase
·  Enables mothers to be more hands free to carry their babies
·  Gives families a place to put humanitarian supplies distributed at the border
·  Restores a little dignity so families feel less like refugees and more like travelers to a temporary home  

My goal is to raise $15,000 to purchase more suitcases for Ukrainian families. Adult suitcases are $75, and children’s luggage is $50. We have made arrangements to purchase the luggage at local shops in Poland and will hand deliver the suitcases directly to Ukrainian refugees at the Krakow train station and Medyka border. 100% of the donations will be used to purchase suitcases for Ukrainian refugees.  

Every donation, no matter the size, will have a direct impact on the lives of those affected and will help ease the burden of Ukrainian mothers and their children as they continue their journey to seek shelter. Please join us today by donating and sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family, and communities. 

Thank you for supporting #SuitcasesForUkraine