Since Russia declared a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, more than 5.9 million refugees have fled Ukraine, and more than 2,685 civilian casualties have been reported.
The images of Ukrainian refugees fleeing their country during this conflict are truly heartbreaking. For many of us, friends and family members are among the refugees. For all of us, this crisis leaves us feeling helpless and concerned about how we can help. At Vendavo, we’re committed to standing with the people of Ukraine and offering continued support where we can.
Together, we’ve donated more than $30,000 to various humanitarian organizations including People in Need, Catholic Relief Services, Direct Relief, GlobalGiving, International Rescue Committee, and Save the Children. We would urge anyone with the means to offer support, to consider donating to one of these organizations or other charities involved in humanitarian relief, recovery, or peace-building efforts.
Save the Children estimates that 40% of the people who have fled Ukraine for safety are children. It is unbearable to think about the fear, anguish, and confusion these children must feel. Vendavo employees in the Czech Republic have come together and are engaged in a direct effort to help refugee children. Our team recently donated computers and equipment to help Ukranian children get established in the Czech Republic to continue their education. Resilience takes a village, and we are humbled to play a small role in that village.
Ukrainian Children Receive Laptops from Vendavo
Our Corporate Giving Program: Vendavo Gives
In moments of turmoil, we must come together and honor our humanity. We must show empathy, compassion, generosity, and kindness. As a business, it is our responsibility to define corporate values that provide the foundation for responding to crises like the conflict in Ukraine. One way these values come to life is through the way our organization approaches giving, volunteering, or charitable causes.
At Vendavo, our corporate giving program is called Vendavo Gives. The mission behind this program is to advance the economic development of families around the globe.
Under our Vendavo Gives program, each of our offices hold regional volunteer events to empower our employees to get out into their community and volunteer their time. In addition, all Vendavo employees are encouraged to use a few days a year to participate in volunteer events. Employees are encouraged to choose causes that are important to them and aligned with their own core values.
As the world continues to face crisis after crisis, we all must come together in solidarity. Our actions today will fundamentally impact our global future tomorrow.