A nonprofit co-founded by a Fleming Island native is working to raise money for people still enduring the impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war.
This week marks the second year of the Russia-Ukraine war. More than 100,000 lives have been lost since the fighting started back in 2022.
It started on Feb. 24, 2022, after Russia invaded the country — leading to hundreds of thousands of lives lost.
That’s what prompted Fleming Island Native, Katie Rios to create U4ANU, a nonprofit that supports Ukrainians still impacted by the war.
“The goal is to spread awareness,” Rios said. “There are still innocent lives being taken. There’s still people not able to go home, there’s still people losing loved ones.”
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US officials report nearly 500,000 casualties since the war between Russia and Ukraine began.
To provide some form of relief and aid, U4ANU is hosting a virtual 10K from Feb. 24 to March 1.
The money goes to other non-profit organizations like Restore Ukraine who provide shelter, and aid for Ukrainians affected by the war.
“I started it last year, but I did it as a private fundraiser, I sponsored two Ukrainians which is what got me more involved in the war. And so last year I did to help me support them, and this year I’m opening it up to Restore Ukraine,” Rios said.
To participate in the 10K visit UFORANU.COM All donations are welcomed.
You can also donate through United Nation’s Ukraine Humanitarian Fund.