Miami-Dade residents’ efforts to help Ukrainians include online store, SoBe party

MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Oksana Zamfira and her pal Camelia Catruc are among the many Miami-Dade County residents who’re doing the whole lot they will to assist Ukrainians.

Zamfira was born in Odessa, a port metropolis on the Black Sea in southern Ukraine and Miami Seaside’s new sister metropolis. Catruc was born in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova, Ukraine’s southwestern neighbor.

Zamfira’s brother is combating in Ukraine as a civilian volunteer. She helps his unit and nonprofit organizations which can be providing aid.

The conflict has been ongoing for greater than two months.

“We’ve got corroborated 7,061 civilian casualties, with 3,381 killed and three,680 injured throughout the nation for the reason that starting of the armed assault … The precise figures are larger and we’re working to corroborate each single incident,” Matilda Bogner, of the United Nations, informed reporters on Tuesday.

Advert

On the net: Miami Seaside’s decision

Catruc, of Sunny Isles Seaside, mentioned there’s a want for medical provides and protecting gear equivalent to bulletproof vests and helmets.

“The blokes over there which can be defending town don’t have sufficient gear,” Catruc mentioned.

On the net: Contribute to the Odessa Peace Fund

Zamfira has made the 11-hour flight to Poland recurrently with dozens of suitcases filled with provides. She has met with a Ukrainian pal who crosses the border and delivers it to Odessa.

“In two weeks, it will likely be yet one more time,” Zamfira mentioned about her upcoming journey.

Amid the continued refugee disaster, they’re additionally promoting handmade crafts by Ukrainians equivalent to embroidery and jewellery. Catruc and different volunteers arrange a tent in the course of the Lincoln Highway market in South Seaside.

Advert

The necessity is dire. The United Nations estimated on Thursday that greater than 6 million individuals had fled Ukraine by Could 11. Girls and youngsters account for 90% of the refugees. Ukrainian males who’re age 60 or youthful aren’t allowed to depart the nation.

“An issue proper now, it’s children with out dad and mom if we may also help them too,” Zamfira mentioned.

On the net: Go to this web page to buy on-line

The Miami Seaside Chamber of Commerce is fundraising to get firefighting gear and first responder gear to Odessa. They’re working with The World Empowerment Mission, a Doral-based nonprofit group based by Michael Capponi, a member of the chamber.

Their fundraiser might be at 4 p.m., on June 12 at Mango’s Tropical Cafe, at 900 Ocean Dr., in South Seaside. For extra info or to purchase a $50 ticket, go to the EventBrite web page.

Advert

On the net: Contribute to GEM’s effort

Associated social media