Two American volunteers raise $1 million to help Ukraine

Two Ukrainian-Americans, Antonina Levchuk from Texas and Iryna Pylypenko from Los Angeles, established the “Save lives together” foundation to support Ukraine through its current political and security crisis.

Their foundation, which was established in May 2014, has already raised more than $1 million to help local citizens with medicine, medical equipment, clothes and even ammunition.

Both women said that they decided to become volunteers after the Revolution of Dignity, which started one year ago. At first they helped wounded activists, who suffered during the bloody clashes in the capital city Kyiv in February. Later, when in the separatist regions in Eastern Ukraine began hostilities, the women started to support the Ukrainian army with hemostatic medication.

Now they also help buy medical equipment for the field hospitals. Currently, the volunteers work directly with Ukrainian activists, who deliver necessary items to those on the front in eastern Ukraine.

Foreign help to the Ukrainian army has already exceeded what locals provide. The reason is simple: While Ukrainians donate around 200 UAH ($13) on average, foreigner give about $200.