The war in Ukraine has driven more than two million refugees out of the country and at the same time has trapped millions more in the war zone, causing the separation of countless families. As expressed in recent statement from SWFC Chairman Henry Bedford:
“We have people who are from Ukraine, and while all of them are safely in other European countries now, their families remain there. We are heartbroken for these families and other Ukrainians that are there to fight for and defend their country and their freedom. We are with them in spirit and have committed to an immediate corporate donation of $100,000 for direct aid to families as well as relief and defense efforts. Many of our associates worldwide are adding personal contributions to also be distributed through our charitable organization in Eastern Europe. God bless the courageous people of Ukraine.”
Southwestern Family of Companies Donates $100,000 to Help Ukrainians
In an effort to assist those separated from their families, Southwestern Family of Companies recently made a $100,000 donation provide direct support as needed to SWA students and their family members who are still in Ukraine and other needed resources for refugees and children to help serve the immediate needs.
A portion of the donations will assist SOS Children’s Village in Warsaw, Poland, a partner charity of Southwestern Advantage and SWFC who has been accepting refugee children from Ukraine.
Dan Moore to Visit Poland and Hand out Supplies
Since the conflict began, independent sales representatives with Southwestern Advantage in Poland have already been helping SOS Children’s Village fundraise to cover expenses and supplies. In addition, Dan Moore, President of Southwestern Advantage, will be flying to Poland in late March to volunteer and hand out supplies.
Currently, there are two experienced SWA student leaders and eight first-time SWA dealers who are cut off from their families. These Ukrainian students attend some of the top universities in Poland. One student is from southeast Ukraine near the Black Sea; his family is unable to leave because roads are blocked.
Another SWFC member, Global Educational Concepts (GEC), is a designated sponsor of the U.S. Department of State’s cultural exchange programs. As such, the company has a history of exchange visitors from Ukraine, as well as current participants and foreign partner agencies who have been impacted by the war.
Southwestern Family of Companies stands by our global family and supports our team members during this time.
How You Can Help
For anyone who would like to donate, below are links for U.S. and International aid foundations supporting the Ukrainian people who provide for electronic donations:
GlobalGiving – War in Ukraine: help children with cancer
Red Cross/Red Crescent – Ukraine Emergency Appeal
Palianytsia – Ukrainian Charity Initiative
gofundme – Donate to Ukraine Relief Efforts
Save the Children – Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund
Voices of Children – Help Children of War in Ukraine
International Rescue Committee – Help Ukrainian Families
International Medical Corps – Help people affected by war in Ukraine
project HOPE – Crisis in Ukraine
RAZOM- Building a prosperous Ukraine
In addition, a check can be made out to Southwestern and mailed to the following address or dropped by the reception desk at Landers Plaza. Please mark in the For/Memo line “Ukrainian Relief Charitable Contribution”:
Southwestern Family of Companies
Attn: Sarah Schukay
2451 Atrium Way
Nashville, TN 37214
