Orlando resident goes viral with ‘donation hack’ to get money and support for Ukrainians – Central Florida News

Randa Black posted his idea on social media (partial screenshot here), and his creative way of donating directly to individual Ukrainians went viral.



As Russia’s war in Ukraine heats up, Central Floridians are finding creative ways to help as much as they can.

Orlando’s Randa Black came up with the idea of ​​putting money into the hands of individual Ukrainians by “booking” their short-term vacation rentals on websites like Airbnb or VRBO…of course, without planning a visit. real.

So she did and received a heartfelt thank you note from a Ukrainian woman who has been an Airbnb host in Kyiv.

Now Randa Black’s idea has gone viral. More and more people from the US, UK and elsewhere are donating funds and sending messages of support to Ukrainians through their vacation rental listings.

Black explained his idea and how it started to WMFE’s Nicole Darden Creston.

Click the Play Audio button above to hear their conversation. The transcript of their conversation is below.

Randa Black: I really wanted to make a difference personally. And I show people that I love them by showing myself. So how could I present myself for these people? How could I get in contact with them?

So I run a VRBO. And I’m a world traveler, I love to travel. And so I went, well, for my birthday – which is April 6 – I’m going to book a vacation in Kiev, Ukraine, and get in touch with a person there and give them some money. But I’m not going to stop there. I just want to fund them and tell them we love them and support them.

And she sent me an amazing note, and it was just amazing. I posted on Facebook, and it went viral. All my friends from Michigan and California spread the word. Now a whole network of people are renting accommodation in Poland on the border, you know, Airbnb or VRBO. And we try to choose people who are not company owned. To do this, I’m looking for someone who (has a listing for) a roommate or shared space, so I know the person would actually receive the funds.

Nicole Darden-Creston: Did you expect it to go so viral? He really has legs. You started a trend.

Randa Black: Absolutely not. It’s crazy. But I think people just watch the news, and we listen and see what’s going on in real time. And I think it’s great that people give to the Red Cross, or whatever organization is helping, and those places are doing amazing things. I don’t deny that. But I just wanted a human connection. I wanted them to know that people – it’s like “Horton Hears a Who”, I wanted them to know that we see them, we hear them, we are with them on a personal level.

Can I share with you what I wrote to her and what she replied to me?

Nicole Darden-Creston: Yes please! I was going to ask you.

Randa Black: Agreed. When I made the reservation, I wrote this: ‘I feel for you in your country. I’m from Orlando, Florida. And I gave him my name.

And I said, “I also have a short-term rental business. I won’t be visiting then, but I wanted to send you some money. I hope this small gesture finds you healthy and safe. Peace and love to you. You are welcome to visit and stay with me for free. Please know that the world cares about you and the people of Ukraine.

To which she replied, “Dear Randa, today I received your letter and I was so excited to read, peace and love for you from my heart. The doors of my house are always open to you. You touched my heart with your message of love and help. May God keep you for your good, pure and open heart. I can’t find words of gratitude and love for your indifferent (sic) attitude to the situation. I sincerely thank you. And I’m happy for any help. Bombings and explosions all over the city. When it’s all over, the doors of my house will be open to you.

That’s what’s important: the person-to-person contact had an impact on her. And that’s what I appreciate. I literally imagined myself running for my life, with just what I had on my back. And despair. I hope others will rise. And that’s how we show people that we love them. We show up. I’m just grateful that everyone is trying to do that. If we all did a little like that, imagine what a difference it would be.


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