Bainbridge Community Foundation is partnering with a Bainbridge Island couple that is providing millions of dollars worth of essential materials to Ukrainians fleeing the Russian invasion.
On March 8, BCF sent a message to donors to alert them to the possibility of using funds to donate to the Foundation for Equity and Justice. By March 11, 33 donors had partnered to provide $122,500 toward the effort.
BCF officials said that is the greatest support the foundation has seen for this type of cause—and it came together in less than three days. 100% of their donations go to the nonprofit providing materials for Ukrainians.
Dale and Carol Perry, who live near Wing Point on Bainbridge Island, have been leading the effort through the equity and justice foundation. Dale left for Poland in early March, when it became clear that the humanitarian crisis would soon become overwhelming to neighboring countries and international organizations.
Dale, co-owner of a privately held U.S. energy company in Ukraine, and his team have been able to deliver more than $2 million in supplies.
“It’s incredible to see how many in our community are jumping at the opportunity to help in such a dire situation,” Carol said, adding the foundation has been able to deliver desperately needed supplies such as food, medicines, diapers, baby food, and tents to thousands on the Ukrainian side of the border.
Movie benefit
Meanwhile, the film “Atlantis” is being shown at the Historic Lynwood Theatre as a benefit to raise money for people being terrorized by the war in Ukraine. The showing will be March 19 at noon.
Emily Adamson, director of marketing for Faraway Entertainment, said donations will benefit Aid for Ukraine, www.aid-for-ukraine.org/. Dale and Carol Perry will introduce the film and host a Question and Answer session afterward.
The movie is about a soldier suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder who befriends a young volunteer hoping to restore peaceful energy to a war-torn society. A 2019 film by award-winning Ukrainian writer/director Valentyn Vasyanovych.
