Ukraine Entrepreneurs

3/25/2022

Communities Come Together to Support Ukraine - Councillor Tanya Burch
Shares her Story with Green Bean Studios

After over 76 years of peacetime, reports of war breaking out again in Europe on 24th February seemed unbelievable, yet the UK and people across the world have watched in horror as Russia has carried out barbaric attacks in an attempt to take control of Ukraine.

What we have witnessed over the past few weeks of violence and destruction has been the incredible bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people. Tanya Burch is Councillor for Salford City Council, and someone who Green Bean Studios has a strong working relationship with. Originally from Ukraine herself, Tanya has shared her story with us, about her family in Ukraine and how they are supporting their community during these harrowing times.

In continued dialogue between Anita and Tanya, since Russia invaded Ukraine, Tanya shared with Anita the outstanding work and bravery of her nephew Mykhaylo, along with his wife Katerina, and a group of other entrepreneurs. These incredible entrepreneurs have come together to serve their community in unprecedented times.

Mykhaylo, his wife Katerina and their 4-year-old child, were living in Kyiv before the Russian invasion. Both had successful businesses: Mykhaylo was a co-founder of one of the leading peanut butter manufacturers https://maslotom.com/en and his wife Katerina built from scratch her fashion business (loungewear and comfy clothing for wearing at home), Balcony Garment https://balconygarment.com.

When the war started they had enough funding to fly anywhere in the world, and could have easily taken the option to flee their country, staying somewhere safe and comfortable until the war was over. However, they bravely made the decision to stay in Kyiv – in their own words, “until the victory”.

When a rocket hit an apartment block next to Mykhaylo’s home, he decided to send his wife and child to the western part of Ukraine where it was relatively safe. Despite his efforts to persuade her, Katerina was determined to remain in the country – their country.

Mykhaylo and his family are currently in Kyiv, helping and coordinating food and medication distribution and helping people to evacuate from Kyiv, including arrangements for people’s pets.

In collaboration with several other entrepreneurs in Kyiv, Mykhaylo and Katerina have set up a website explaining what they do and encouraging people to support their efforts by donating: http://donation.maslotom.com/en/

People can donate towards their work on the ground and every penny goes straight into helping Kyiv residents – nothing is spent on admin, overheads or CEO wages. The team is made up of volunteers and 100% of the donations are spent on providing for the residents’ needs in Kyiv.

During these unprecedented times, it is vital that people come together to support each other. We have witnessed local communities, MPs and business leaders all stepping up to do what they can to raise funds for Ukraine and help its people.

Green Bean Studios’ founder, Anita Frost, has an ongoing partnership with both the !Audacious Foundation a Manchester based charity, and !Audacious Church. We can see many organisations around the world are coming together to support the Ukraine in any way they can. !Audacious Church achieved raising £250,000 recently which will be donated to support the people of Ukraine.

You can find out more about the work !Audacious Church are doing and also donate to their Ukraine appeal here: https://audaciouschurch.com/

Mykhaylo and his team have asked for help as there is a huge amount of work on the ground which needs to be done – both now and after the war to rebuild Ukraine. Anita, along with other UK entrepreneurs, have come together and committed to support Mykhaylo and his teams in any way they can.

We will keep you updated on how Mykhaylo and his team are progressing.

While everyone carries a great sadness that this war is even taking place, it is very encouraging that out of these dark times a new light will shine as Ukraine and entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom come together, stand together and build together.

Follow Mykhaylo’s journey via Instagram.

How can you get involved?

Donate here or if you’re an entrepreneur wanting to directly support Mykhaylo and his team – we want to hear from you so please email us at [email protected]