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Walk For Ukraine

 

About

Hi! I'm Maya, and I'm walking across America. While I'm at it, I'm also trying to raise awareness of Ukraine's fight for freedom, and why America should care.

 

The Plan

I will walk up to 5 hours a day during the week (average 12 miles), and hopefully cover more distance during weekends. I'll try to get in one rest day a week, too. If there are big distances between towns, I will have to take a bus or taxi part way. Still, my intention is to cover most of the distance on foot.

 

I'll take a break in mid-May for the summer to attend to personal commitments, but I will start up again after Labor Day. Hopefully, my journey will be complete by year-end.... and before the holidays :)

 

My journey is a little different from others' who have done this route, because I will continue working full-time; walking part-time. :) I am fortunate to have a job that allows me to work remotely.

 

Raising awareness of Ukraine's

FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,

one step at a time.

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So...why should Americans care about Ukraine?

 

When the USSR collapsed, Ukraine emerged as the third largest nuclear power in the world – after the US and Russia. In 1994, Ukraine gave up its nuclear arms voluntarily at the request of the US, UK, and Russia and it was touted as an example to the world of nuclear disarmament, praised for being a country that took the first step towards this goal. In return, Ukraine was promised territorial integrity and given security assurances by the US, UK, and Russia. Clearly, none of this has been upheld, and this has huge implications on global nuclear disarmament – no other country will voluntarily give up its arms after what has happened to Ukraine. I guarantee you, that Russia would not be invading Ukraine if Ukraine still had its nuclear weapons. 

 

Additionally:

 

1.     Russia, led by an ex-KGB officer, is becoming increasingly aggressive and showing that it is wants to regain its previous Soviet status and stature in the world -- and invading Ukraine, a former Soviet republic, is a big step towards that goal;

 

2.     This threatens the Western world, including Europe, and the US has obligations to come to Europe's defense against Russia;

 

3.   Having Ukraine as an independent, strong, democratic state would permanently limit Russia's ability to cause mischief to Europe and its neighboring countries (US allies), and if Ukraine is granted NATO status, America and Europe will be safer -- especially now, affter Ukraine has been forced to build up its army;

 

4.     If Ukraine succeeds in maintaining its independence and territorial integrity against Russia, rids itself of corruption, and becomes a US/European-oriented state, this will create a huge stimulus within Russia to rid themselves of the corrupt government suffocating them; 

 

5.     Ukraine's location at the border between Europe and Asia is beneficial for US economic interests seeking ties to the Middle East and Asia;

 

6.     Ukrainians have demonstrated, through two revolutions within 10 years, their commitment to the same values of freedom, justice, and human dignity that America was built on, and which American and Europeans have long recognized as God-given, inalienable rights.

 

7. Ukraine has always been a peaceful nation; its inhabitants are people of the land, who want to grow their crops, raise their children, spend time with family and friends, and live freely and peacefully, with Christian and Western values - just like Americans.

Get Involved, Get Informed!

1. Watch Damian Kolodiy’s powerful documentary film “Freedom or Death” to learn more about Ukraine’s 2014 Revolution of Dignity and the subsequent Russian invasion. Available on Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play.
 

2. Keep up with current news on Ukraine’s first 24/7 English language international TV channel, Ukraine Today.  

 

3. Check out the work of these volunteer organizations, which I work with closely and support, and consider making a donation:

UkraineRising.org 
Ukrainian Freedom Fund 

Volunteer’s Hundred (Волонтерська Сотня Україна - Світ) 

 

Anchor 2

Say Hi :)

Send me a message! I'd love to hear from you.

Please come back soon! 

 

And don't forget to follow me on Facebook, or visit my blog! :)

Anchor 3

To Thank You, I'll Send A Postcard... :)

Many people have asked me if they can give me a donation to show their support, so I have decided to add this section. 

 

I am not taking money for my personal expenses, and this wasn't intended to be a "fundraising" walk -- but if, along the way, I can collect funds for the three organizations I support (listed above)  -- I'd be thrilled and incredibly grateful. 

 

As a way of showing my thanks, I'd like to send a postcard to everybody who donates. :) 100% of your money will go to these groups; I will cover the cost of postcard and stamp. 

 

IMPORTANT FOR AMERICANS: If you would like a tax receipt, please let me know in the "Note To Seller" section when you check out.

 

Donations will be split as equally as possible among all three organizations. Those requiring tax-receipts will be sent to Ukraine Rising and Ukrainian Freedom Fund, and the rest will be sent to Volunteer's Hundred in Ukraine.

 

International donors welcome :) I will send postcards to any country!

 

If you have any issues or questions, please contact me via the form below or at walkforukraine@gmail.com 

This video shows volunteers from Volunteer's Hundred in Ukraine ("ВС Україна - Світ ") supplying soldiers at the front line with food, clothing, boots, and medical supplies. These items were purchased by Ukrainian Freedom Fund and by Volunteer's Hundred with money from international donors as well as from the Ukrainian people.

 

The war has been waging for 2 years now, and while the situation has gotten a little better, a lot of help is still needed. Especially with supply of hemostatic bandages like Quikclot and Celox, which are hard to find in Ukraine.

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Video edited by Damian Kolodiy.

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