In light of recent events happening in Ukraine, there have been numerous celebrities and public figures coming forth and talking about lending a helping hand to the Ukrainian people. There have been several celebrities speaking out about how they are willing to help, how other people can help, and the overall state of the situation.
Celebrity “It” couple, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have pledged to match donations for the Ukrainian refugees up to $1 million. While the match limit has been met, the public is still welcome to make donations to help support.
Reynolds took to Twitter and said:
In 48 hours, countless Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes to neighboring countries. They need protection. When you donate, we’ll match it up to $1,000,000, creating double the support.⬇️ https://t.co/xCFL1Lptuw https://t.co/CHp48E1KLQ
— Ryan Reynolds (@VancityReynolds) February 26, 2022
Milla Jovovich, a Ukraine-born actress, took to Instagram to express her heartbreak over the Russian invasion of her home country: “My country and people being bombed. Friends and family in hiding. Leaders who cannot bring peace. The never-ending juggernaut of imperialism. And always, the people pay in bloodshed and tears.” Along with her post, she provided a link to a Google Document with various donation sites so that those who want to and can help have a way of doing so.
Actor and director Ashton Kutcher also spoke out in support of Ukraine, the home country of his wife Mila Kunis. Kutcher showed his support by tweeting “I stand with Ukraine” on February 25.
Former “Dancing with the Stars” pro, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, has taken to his Instagram to keep people posted on what's going on in Ukraine. “There’s always another way! War is never an answer!” he wrote from the capital, Kyiv. He has since been able to escape to Poland.
Earlier last week, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle put out a statement on the couple’s nonprofit organization about their support for the Ukrainian people. Their statement read: “Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and all of us at Archewell stand with the people of Ukraine against this breach of international and humanitarian law and encourage the global community and its leaders to do the same.”
This past Sunday night (February 27), stars at the 2022 SGA awards used their platform and spoke up about the situation. Tyler Perry and Michael Douglas showed their support by wearing blue-and-yellow ribbons in a show of support for Ukraine. Lady Gaga and Andrew Garfield both mentioned the Russia-Ukraine war during their interviews on the red carpet. Elle Fanning, who plays Russian Empress Catherine the Great in Hulu's "The Great", showed her support for Ukraine by painting her nails blue and yellow. Some others took to Instagram and posted about their support, including Gigi Hadid, Eiza Gonzalez, Katheryn Winnick, Kendall Jenner, Angelina Jolie, and many more.
These are small but important gestures to help spread awareness and advocating for the people of Ukraine. There are plenty of resources that out there for us non-celebrities to stay informed, as well as sites that are accepting donations and helping out to the cause.
Donate medical supplies HERE.
Help children affected by the war HERE and HERE.
Donate to the International Rescue Committee HERE.
Donate to Amnesty International HERE.
Help Doctors Without Borders provide medical care to the people of Ukraine HERE.
Help journalists in Ukraine stay safe so they can keep their people informed HERE and HERE.
Donate to Jose Andres's World Central Kitchen to provide meals to Ukrainian families HERE.
Offer accommodations and/or shelter for Ukrainian refugees HERE.
Donate directly to the Ukrainian military HERE.
As many Ukrainians flee into neighboring Poland, that country could use some help as they aid refugees; you can help them HERE.
To support one of the few independent media outlets in Russia, donate HERE.
You can also get involved with local protests in your area, and/or contact your elected officials about what they are doing to aid Ukraine.
Keep an eye out and stay informed!