MADISON, Wis. — As Ukraine marks six months since Russia began its invasion, groups in Wisconsin are continuing to do what they can to support the eastern European country.
Wednesday is the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union and six months since Russia’s invasion started.
Wisconsin has been making many efforts to help raise money and support Ukraine. Local restaurants and cafes held many fundraisers to help support Ukraine and the refugees, but groups like Forward Madison FC and Jewish Social Services are continuing to make an impact and make efforts overseas and for refugees in Madison.
JSS case manager Maya Garbuz has been working with 25 refugee families from Ukraine. She helps those families apply for benefits and helps those eligible for the United for Ukraine program get set with health insurance and food share
Through her work, she also helps refugees in the area enroll in English as a second language courses and obtain work permits.
“A lot of them are very willing to work, and they’re just waiting for the permits to start working,” Garbuz said. “They have been very resourceful, many of them, to see what they can do, but they can’t do anything until they have work authorization.”
The process to get work permits is a long one; so far only one of the families Garbuz has worked with has received approval. Most of the families who reach out need guidance for how to move forward.
“Most of them reach out to us and say, ‘Point us in the right direction,’ ‘What am I eligible for?’ ‘How do I apply?’ ‘What do I do?’” she said.
Despite its relatively small size, Forward Madison director of digital content Evan Warwick said their efforts to help the Ukrainian people have proven to be anything but.
“Oftentimes you think you can only affect so much,” he said.
The team decided to create a Ukraine jersey kit to raise profits to benefit Ukrainians. That effort raised $43,833.
“We put out kits on sale with classic football shirts in London… we are anticipating being able to donate another $8,000-$10,000 to the Red-Cross’ Ukrainian initiatives abroad,” Warwick said.
Through these sales, Forward Madison isn’t only raising money but also awareness.
“Just because it isn’t a top news story right now doesn’t mean the conflict isn’t still happening and people’s lives aren’t still affected,” he said.
The team is continuing sales at their game Wednesday night to raise even more money.
“On this Ukrainian Independence Day, it’s really cool to see our fans wear the Ukraine kit to the game tonight here at Breese Stevens Field,” Warwick said.
READ MORE: US to send $3 billion in aid to Ukraine as war hits 6 months
Forward Madison will sell the Ukraine jersey kits at Wednesday’s game. To learn more about JSS’ efforts, click here.
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