How to Spot Relief Scams in Ukraine
Reporting by Jonée Lewis
CLEARWATER, Florida. – The Pinellas Community Foundation launched the Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid Fund to provide Tampa Bay residents a safe option to donate to help Ukraine.
The organization has served the region for more than 50 years. It supports people and charities working to meet the needs of the community.
The CEO of the Pinellas Community Foundation says his experience will help ensure that money donated to this fund reaches those in need in Ukraine.
“It’s the experience the foundation has of going in and looking at what charities are doing, the great efforts they’re having, the impact they’re having. So the community can have a place of confidence to give now to this fund and to make sure that it is reaching the people of Ukraine. We have many relationships, many disaster-related relationships, and that helps feed not only our knowledge but also our experience in this situation said Duggan Cooley, CEO of the Pinellas Community Foundation.
Organizations providing real help on the ground in Ukraine
We may not be able to book a flight to Ukraine, but many in the United States want to know how to support those on the ground fighting for their country. UNICEF, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the International Rescue Committee can be good starting points.
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The foundation is in contact with humanitarian organizations on the ground in Ukraine and in neighboring countries. The money will go towards food, shelter, water, medical supplies, technology, etc.
“The greatest gift people can give in a humanitarian crisis is money to trusted organizations that are known to do good work. And so that’s what we can do the fastest,” said Cooley.
Airbnb used to help Ukrainians
People from all over the world book Airbnbs in Ukraine – not to stay, but to show their support. FOX 13’s Jonee’ Lewis has the story.
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The Better Business Bureau of West Florida says it’s important to check an organization’s background before donating because scammers look to take advantage of people’s kindness at times like this.
“Unfortunately, scammers know how to play with these emotions. They will create fake charities, they will create landing pages, they will text you or email you, pretending to be something they ‘ not,” Bryan Oglesby said.
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It encourages people to donate to established charities.
For more information on the Pinellas Community Foundation Ukraine Relief Fund, the Pinellas Community Foundation says interested parties can text UKRAINE to 71441.
To donate online, visit https://pinellascf.org/giving/ukraine-humanitarian-relief-fund-tampa-bay/
To donate by check:
Check to be made payable to: Pinellas Community Foundation
Memo line: Tampa Bay Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid Fund
Send checks to: 17755 US Highway 19 N, Suite 150, Clearwater, FL 33764
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