If you're new to this thread, you are more than welcome to read this post, but on Page 6, we open this up to include different avenues of Ukrainian relief and I think that's probably where this thread is going to really start. The TLDR of pages 1 through 5 is we donated 2-million Hungarian forint (just over $6000usd) to the shelter below, and then... well, I don't really know where we go from there because we're on page 6 still
Whatever we do. I hope it's good, and worth your attention, and thank you for reading.
Bill. 3/22/2022
I started a new thread instead of posting this in the "Russian Invasion" thread, as I didn't want this to get buried and some may be dissuaded from visiting the Russian Invasion thread due to the topic or just the sheer size of the dang thing (currently over 60 pages!).
In the Russian Invasion thread, multiple people have expressed their interest in sending money to assist the Ukrainian Refugees, but didn't know the best way to effectively put that money to the best use. To that I think we have a solution:
Kisgorbo is a small village about 64kms from where I live in Papa, Hungary. It has been brought to our attention that the mayor (Polgarmester) of that town is turning an abandoned school into a Refugee shelter that is intended to house up to 45 Ukrainian refugees. They have a Facebook page for the village that discusses the topic, you can see it here:
Kisgorbo Facebook Page
In the "Russian Invasion" thread, I was mistakenly under the impression that the village had received donations and the 15-heat pumps they needed to start the construction had already been purchased. As of our correspondence with the mayor (who wrote a VERY articulate letter in English) yesterday, that is not the case. You can read his letter, exactly as we received it, below ("Katie" is a fellow American in town, who is also organizing relief aid):
So why this place: Location, amount of effort compared to size. This is a flyweight team trying to take on a heavyweight challenge. To me, that's the GRM spirit. Most importantly (I thought) was the willingness to offer a long term solution for the families that arrive.
How can we help: I have a paypal account attached to (Redacted) that isn't often used. It is directly attached to my Hungarian bank account. From donations I've received so far, there appear to be no transfer fees, or currency conversion fees associated with the account. From there I can transfer funds from that account directly to the account listed by the Mayor in the above note. If you want to send a test e-mail to the account before transferring the funds, the account is (Redacted).
Or you can 100% donate directly to the Mayor yourself if that option exists with your stateside bank. The IBAN/SWIFT is listed in his letter.
When can we help: Unfortunately, I am not able to assist with this one long term. Locally I've organized an effort with approximately 40 refugees that have come to town, and in doing so I've learned that it takes a LOT of time to keep things organized and flowing. The Mayor also said he needed the funds to pay for the heaters by "next week", that would be "this week" I believe. With all that, I would like to close donations by Thursday March 10 @ 10pm PST (That would be 8am Friday to us in Hungary). Hopefully that will allow us to meet his first deadline.
Future efforts may be possible if the community is willing, but we can discuss that later.
Who can help: I'd like to keep this pretty GRM, if possible please. By all means, you can share this with those individuals who are absolutely closest to you but please have them include your GRM User Name in the paypal transfer, and please ask them not to share any further (as to not allow for the possibility for exponential growth, plus it makes communication difficult if this goes outside the forum). The efforts of your Community or church organizations are welcome but I have to ask you to take responsibility and act as the POC, coordinator, and voice please as they are able to swing a much bigger hammer than I think I am able to handle on an individual level (I want to try to keep most/all communication through this thread). This rule may change in the future, but I've learned a lot from my trial by fire this last week and one of those things I've learned was I have to approach these things cautiously at first, but can turn up the volume later if needed.
What are we helping: 100% of funds received go straight to the account the mayor listed in his letter. No admin fees, no transfer fees, no nothing. The deal is, we'll give any donated money "no strings attached". Whether it's used in the setup of the facility, or for the long term care of the residents, it's 100% up to the man running the show. Of course, I will tell him the organization that donated (GRM Magazine, and it's awesome family of forum supporters), I will take lots of pictures when (not if) I visit, and of course I will share any updates I can with you here on the board.
I think that about covers it! If you're still reading, thank you. You guys are awesome people.
TLDR?
Ukraine Refugees, paypal attached to the PM e-mail address, Secret Squirrel please.