Newton Woman From Ukraine Raises Over $700K For Relief Efforts

NEWTON, MA — A Newton woman from Ukraine has raised over $700,000 dollars for humanitarian assistance in her home country, reported NBC 10.

Katya Malakhova, who emigrated to the United States 14 years ago, is the founder of “Sunflowers of Peace,” which she started in 2015 to help Ukraine after Russia annexed the region of Crimea. However, she is now using the organization to raise relief funds for Ukrainians affected by the Russian invasion.

"All of us right now are very, very worried about our relatives,” Malakhova told NBC 10. "It’s very hard. But we’re trying to stay strong because if my family and friends can stay strong, then we must do this for them.”

As of Monday, Malakhova’s fundraiser has reached $787,547 out of a goal of one million dollars. People have also dropped off medical supplies on her front porch.

For more information on Sunflowers of Peace or to donate, click here.