It’s the day of love and I love Ukraine. FaceBook and Google’s algorithms have taken note of this, so today I have had multiple messages and e-mails encouraging me to give to United 24’s effort to rebuild a school, for which I would be rewarded with five (!) Zelinskyy valentines.
Nice. But when I looked at the address it would be sent to, it was a Donorbox address rather than one from United 24. When I went to United 24’s website, there was no reference to this fundraiser.
I might have ignored the red flags but, three days back, Ilya Pomonarenko, a trusted source since his Kyiv Independent days, had posted a fundraiser for an emergency vehicle, posted a Paypal address, and then walked it back within a half hour because he was taken in himself. Whoever received my donation thanked me, but then when you receive free money, why not. I was heartbroken to read the posts on Donorbox from people around the world who admired Ukraine’s courage and thought they were helping.
I guess the takeaway here is give your money, and lord knows Ukrainians can use it, to vetted organisations. KyivGuy has some excellent suggestions. Beyond that, bear in mind that bad actors will often monetise your concern. Give wisely.