DONATE FOR THE DEFENDERS TODAY

I have been asked by friends recently, if I could use my LinkedIn network to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces (UAF) with a donation initiative.

I was a bit hesitant at the beginning, as we all have seen amazing donation campaigns already by wonderful persons. Many good people organize donation campaigns and are trying to help Ukraine. I told my friends that I’m not sure if I really could make a difference, but they made a point, which I will summarize for you here:

“Yes Nicolai, there a many donation campaigns out there, but what is hindering people to donate is often the same challenge/ask: CAN I TRUST THAT MY DONATION WILL REALLY REACH SOMEONE IN NEED? Your family donated to Ukraine already 33 years ago. When the Berlin wall came down in November 9th, 1989, it took your family only 5 weeks to prepare a medical aid project for Ukraine. You are more than reliable for an important donation campaign. Not only based on your words, but also based on your actions for Ukraine over all those years. Please do it!”?

I started to think about it, and as some of you remember, I was in Ukraine 33 years ago (December 1989) for a medical aid project. In preparation we asked in Germany companies and individuals to donate and we were able to convince many as we promised to bring what was donated “personally to Ukraine”, which we did. In December 1989, I went together with three others - which you see on the picture - to Kyiv. We represented 4 religions and spend two weeks in Ukraine to help and we celebrated New Year’s Eve in Kyiv. You won’t believe it, but today 33 years ago, Kyiv had similar electricity blackout challenges as we see now – at that time caused by the nuclear reactor accident in Chernobyl. I still had one of the most memorable New Year’s Eve celebrations in my life and remember till today that not much is needed to feel happiness... you just need some honest and brave Ukrainians to sit with you around a small table. As less they have, as more they share. These were the true moments that I kept in mind, and which have brought be back to Ukraine all the time and will also in future. A country which is since then my second home.

Some of you remember our donation call on June 22nd, 2022, at the 5th birthday of my son Henri, which helped to donate drones to the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

So today – on December 18th, 2022, which marks the 3rd birthday of my daughter Marie – I’m asking you again to join me on something very special to help the DEFENDERS. And whatever will be donated I promise that I will bring it personally to the DEFENDERS in Ukraine. I guarantee that your donation will reach those in REAL NEED OF HELP.

We will set up a POLL soon, so everyone can vote FOR WHAT your money donation will be used.

We have set-up a trusted bank account in Ukraine where you can donate. The account owner is my colleague?Dr. Inna Koreiba.

https://lnkd.in/ehEuEx8m

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