The Wellness Poet
Krissy Regan has been coordinating rescue missions of Ukrainians from her bedroom in Townsville for the past 6 weeks.
What started as concerned efforts for her Ukrainian friends prior to the invasion has evolved to a full-scale drive to fund as many operations as possible to support Ukrainians both inside and outside of Ukraine.
Krissy worked in Poland and Ukraine from 2003-2012 and has many long-established friendships with the people she met there. When the war broke out Krissy reached her friends in Poland to ask if they could help some of her Ukrainian friends who were willing to leave or were already in transit. Krissy tracked her friends using Google Maps and connected them with support in Poland. At first it was a trickle of people as many of her friends (women and children) were adamant about staying put. After the intense bombing of Kharkiv, things changed and the flood gates opened.
Krissy was posting about her efforts on social media which led to many others around the world including the UK, Scotland, Ireland, Brazil, Australia and US offering to help. Krissy formed a Facebook Group and set up a multi-currency donation channel alongside a friend from London and together they have been channelling resources for a whole variety of missions including;
- Taking refugees from the border to safe homes in Poland.
- Van loads of donated items from Scotland delivered to Poland.
- Walkie talkies, space blankets, medicines and food for many different groups.
- Support for Orphans still inside Ukraine.
- Setting up a funded Kindergarten for Ukrainian children in Poland.
- Donations to Pet Rescue Charities.
- Support for children including Musicians and Athletes so they can continue their practise outside of Ukraine.
- English & Polish Reading programs for Ukrainian kids.
- Schooling and laptops for Ukrainian teenagers so they continue studying in Poland.
- Rail tickets and money for families to start their life in other countries in Europe.
- Organising accommodation and visas for refugees.
At first the fundraising came from friends and family but it grew, and now includes entrepreneurs and philanthropists from around the world,
Krissy talks daily to her friends in Poland and Ukraine, constantly assessing their needs and sending support in whatever way possible. Her efforts are now supported from a network of other interested individuals many of whom who travelled to Poland to support directly the work that was started on day one of the invasion. People have their own interests such as Animals, Orphans, Volunteering and so forth. Right now, Krissy has become a conduit for whatever comes her way from people wanting to help.
“My only motivation is to influence as many people as I can to care and support Ukraine at this time. I’m so grateful for the efforts of my friends in Poland who are at the frontline and help me with anything I need to further help Ukrainians. I taught English to Polish Nato Soldiers in 2003 and I remember them telling me how they liked working with Australians. Australians have a good reputation in Eastern Europe for fairness and kindness. I want to emulate that and ensure that we can save as many lives as possible. The challenge is just too immense to comprehend sometimes, particularly when I speak with my friends still stuck in Kherson and other cities. I also feel for my male friends who can not leave and are just waiting to be called on and in the meantime doing what they can to volunteer around the cities.”
We have two Facebook groups up and running now. One which was established right away by Krissy and her friend Amy from London and we channel funds directly to projects and missions that we know and trust.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3126441567626875
The second has now been established by Matt, Amy’s cousin from the US who has partnered with a local charity in the US so those wishing to make large donations can get tax relief.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/501757484777062
We are doing all we can thanks to a very dedicated and compassionate group of people. I’m grateful to everyone that has donated so far and I will continue to share news of our missions so that more people can see first hand what is happening.
Krissy in Kiev National Stadium in 2012.
For questions or interviews contact;
Krissy 0419398581
krissyregan@gmail.com
