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BBB: How to wisely donate to Ukraine relief efforts

Here are some tips to ensure your money goes where you intend.

CLEVELAND — *Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report. 

The last few days have been jarring for many people across the world as Russia invaded Ukraine earlier this week. This conflict hits close to the heart for many in the Cleveland area, considering so many residents here have close ties to Ukraine. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the City of Cleveland has one of the highest populations of Ukrainian immigrants and descendants in the United States.

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With the current events on-going in eastern Europe, there may be a desire for Clevelanders to help out by donating to charities that are raising funds for emergency relief and assistance. With this in mind, the Better Business Bureau would like to provide tips to ensure that the money reaches where it is intended by the donor. Here are things you should consider: 

  • Does the relief charity meet Better Business Bureau charity standards?
  • One of the best ways to check this is by going to give.org.
  • Can the charity get to the impacted area?
  • Not all charities have the resources to provide relief to Ukraine as quickly as necessary. It would be wise to check and see if the charity already as presence in Ukraine or another eastern European country.
  • Should you send clothing and food
  • These items may not be the most practical to send. They could create logistical challenges to deliver to Europe.
  • Is the charity experienced in providing emergency relief?
  • While there hasn’t been a full-scale invasion quite like this recently, there are charities that are experienced in disaster relief and those would be the best to help deliver assistance as soon as possible.

For a list of Better Business Bureau Accredited Charities that are currently raising funds for assistance efforts in Ukraine, those interested in donating, click here.

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*Editor's Note: The video in the player above is from a previous report. 

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