As Ukrainians struggle to flee from the conflict, it’s important for everyone globally to contribute to various humanitarian efforts to make these transitions as easy as possible for the people of Ukraine. When the world seems darkest, there are always those whose compassionate actions light a path to happiness and prosperity.

These are the stories of some of those shining lights, and what they do to make these hard times easier for those most affected.

Artur Cyganek – Regional Director Eastern Europe with Acronis in Poland

Just days after Russia invaded Ukraine, Artur received a text from a Ukrainian business partner, Larysa, whom he had recently met. She was fleeing from Ukraine to Poland with her three young kids and needed a place to stay. Artur offered her the use of his apartment in Zakopane without hesitation. It took them four days to finally cross the border by car to arrive in Zakopane.

Not long after, Artur received another request for help from Ludmila. He kept in constant contact with the family of four while they drove from Ukraine to Zamosc and prepared the necessary supplies. They travelled with a one-year-old baby without a stroller and sufficient diapers. Artur roped in Dariusz Mumot and his friend to host Ludmila’s family in Zamosc and helped her kids arrange travel documents as they did not have passports. Dariusz is still hosting a Ukrainian refugee family in his house. The team was able temporary host a total of five families; two families are still residing in their houses/apartments.

Meanwhile, Paulina Wieczorek, Weronika Rapala, Kasia, and the Polish team in Warsaw were busy preparing 200 power banks to be delivered to Kyiv. They had received an urgent request from another Ukrainian business partner that these power banks would be helpful for the people taking shelter at underground metro stations.

The entire team of 8 employees in the Poland office started participating in humanitarian aid quickly. From organizing the travel logistics and accommodation to the purchase of supplies, this scene is also replayed again and again in many places in the country.

Train stations in Poland have become the first stop of refuge for thousands of people from Ukraine. Volunteers offer them soup, hot drinks, free rides – even SIM cards that give cellular access in the European Union and Ukraine. Paulina joined the welcome effort with her husband to volunteer at the train station in Warsaw.

An old Polish saying that a guest at home is God at home.

Artur Cyganek shared,

There is no other option for them. They left Ukraine with nothing.

To the amazing team in Poland, extending a hand to help the refugees from Ukraine in their moment of darkness is simply a testament that nothing is impossible with a willing heart.

Acronis Cyber Foundation has partnered with UNICEF to alleviate the suffering of refugees from Ukraine. We have released funds of up to $250,000 for humanitarian assistance to those in need — our goal is to collect an additional $250,000 from Acronis’ donors through our partnership with UNICEF.

If you would like to support, please consider a donation here.