Heartfelt Words from Non-Ukrainian Donors

June 03, 2022

Russia’s invasion and war-making have thrust Ukraine into the popular imagination in unprecedented ways. Millions and millions of people around the world, who would not otherwise have paid much attention at all to Ukraine, now closely follow news updates about the war and its victims. Major news sources now regularly mention cities and towns like Chernihiv, Mariupol, and Yavoriv which were once obscure to the average North American.

Archbishop Borys has played an important role in educating the public about the injustices and plight suffered by Ukraine. The Associated Press, CatholicPhilly, CNN, EWTN, and other media outlets have brought his voice to new audiences. Members of these new audiences are neither Ukrainian Catholic nor part of the Ukrainian diaspora. Yet they have given generously to the Archepachy of Philadelphia’s Humanitarian Aid Fund, which has raised more than $5,000,000 to date.

Many of the Humanitarian Aid Fund’s donors are Roman Catholic while others are Jewish, Protestant, or have no reported religious affiliation. A number took time to compose letters and notes to enclose with their checks, and these contain some of the most heartfelt words in support of Ukraine. Amid violence and death, sadness and mourning, their messages demonstrate that Ukrainians are not alone. The war has galvanized people of good will who are committed to assisting through prayer, awareness, and financial support.

May God bless our the Humanitarian Aid Fund’s benefactors and suffering Ukrainian in great need!

The following excerpts provide a sense of the beautiful sentiments held by non-Ukrainian donors to the Humanitarian Aid Fund.

“I am a first generation Polish American and am proud of Poland’s support for the Ukrainian citizens. My daughter is a close friend of a first generation Ukrainian American. That friend’s worries have become our worries. We have been watching the news of Putin’s scourge, and are helpless to aid, but for this donation and our prayers. With love and a hope for peace…”

“Please be assured of my prayers in regard to the people and the nation of Ukraine. The firm stand of Ukrainian Catholics against Communism has been glorifying Almighty God for many decades. May Our Lady of Hrushiv continue to support you. In Jesus and Mary…”

“It is with much sadness that I enclosed the check for the poor people of Ukraine. I pray my rosary and at Mass that last[ing] peace may come quickly for them. Thank you for your leadership and your staff. God bless you and the people of Ukraine.”

“Gory to Ukraine. Ukrainians have always been to Wildwood Crest for vacation. We on the island support you. Wildwood’s huge Ferris Wheel has been lit in the colors of Ukraine. The boardwalk also has a huge neon sign in the colors [blue and yellow] with a caption “Pray for Ukraine. We will pray…”

“I am so stressed, saddened, and worried about the people of Ukraine. I have kept them in my prayers and continue to admire their bravery. I will continue to pray for them, and I have enclosed a donation to help with their plight. I wish we could do more. My great grandparents left Poland in the early 1900s when Russia controlled Poland, I feel a connection to the Ukrainian people. May God and his mother Mary comfort and protect them.”

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Heartfelt Words from Non-Ukrainian Donors

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