Montclair Fundraiser For Ukraine Refugees: How To Donate

MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair Councilor At-Large Peter Yacobellis announced the launch of an online fundraiser to support Ukrainian refugees on Monday. See it and make a donation here.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has seen global condemnation after launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The military conflict has already cost at least 102 civilian lives, with the true figure feared to be even higher, U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet said Monday.

The invasion of Ukraine followed a series of failed diplomatic efforts, NPR reported. It marks the largest military attack of one state against another on the European continent since the Second World War, Fox News stated.

• See related article: Here's What To Know As Russia Attacks Ukraine

“Like all of you, my heart has been in my stomach since last week as we’re bearing witness to the most alarming conflict in Europe since World War II,” Yacobellis said.

“In just a few days over 500,000 Ukrainians have had to flee their homes, upend their lives, and evacuate their own country, carrying only what they can,” the councilman continued. “Knowing the generosity that is imbedded in the fabric of Montclair, I thought we could rally everyone to help these innocent people with critical care that they’ll need when they safely get across these borders.”

As of Monday afternoon, about 24 hours since the program’s launch, the fund had raised more than $12,000.

Yacobellis said that all proceeds will go directly to The International Rescue Committee. As per their website, The International Rescue Committee exists to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

“The International Rescue Committee is able to quickly deploy mobile medical units to the European Union nations west of Ukraine who are receiving and helping refugees,” Yacobellis said. “In fact, every $500 raised covers the cost of deploying one mobile medical unit. That means that so far, the people of Montclair have contributed enough funding to cover the deployment of 24 mobile medical units to those nations to aid our Ukrainian brothers and sisters.”

“Thank you to everyone who has stepped up,” Yacobellis said.

The fund will remain open “indefinitely,” the councilman said.

Monday’s announcement follows Yacobellis’ recent collaboration with a local clergy association on a candlelight vigil in Montclair attended by 100 people last week.

• Read More: Pro Athlete From Newark Flees Ukraine After Russian Invasion, Report Says
• Read More: NJ Cardinal On Ukraine-Russia: 'Reject War As Political Solution'
• Read More: Rep. Sherrill Of NJ Wants Harsher Sanctions For Putin, Russia

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