It has been astonishing to receive so many donations, and we are extremely grateful for all the help.
Maria Chaplia
11 March 2022
Fundraising student helping refugees flee war in Ukraine
A King’s student helping refugees flee the conflict in Ukraine says the response to her fundraising appeal has been ‘astonishing’.
Maria Chaplia, who is from Lviv, launched an appeal with her partner, Alex Hammond, shortly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine was launched and the pair have managed to raise more than £8,000 so far – more than triple their original target.
The funds have allowed Maria to help her family reach safety in Poland and she has also been able to use donations to help more than 20 people fleeing the conflict, including providing temporary accommodation for mothers with children, covering transport and food costs for refugees, and provide warm clothing for people braving freezing temperatures.
Maria, who is studying for an MA in Public Policy at King’s, said: “It has been astonishing to receive so many donations, and we are extremely grateful for all the help. Many foreigners have been desperate to help but didn't know how they could do it. I think our fundraiser has been very helpful in that respect.
“I am in touch with many Ukrainians on the ground, as well as refugees here in Poland, so I know where the resources are really needed. My only hope is that we keep getting more donations so we are able to help more people.”
Maria and Alex initially sought to help family and friends from the UK but decided to make the drive to Poland in order to be closer to family and are using Krakow as a base to help others crossing the border from Ukraine.
You can find out more about their work, and donate to their appeal, via their JustGiving page here.
For other ways you can support humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine, visit here.