The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought an outpouring of support from all over the world for the people of the war-torn country. Not surprisingly, franchisees are stepping up to answer the call and fill the need.
When Dr. David Buchin, director of bariatric surgery at Huntington Hospital in New York, called for donations to be collected and sent to Ukrainian refugees, College Hunks franchise partners Ted Panebianco and Steven Nickels jumped into action. The Long Island franchise operators provided two 20-foot College Hunks moving trucks to pick up donated medical supplies, essential needs, and body armor destined for the cause.
“We are honored to be able to help our community and being able to live the brand’s purpose of Moving The World seems more literal now than it has ever before,” said Ted Panebianco, Co-Owner of the Long Island College HUNKS. “Amid all that is happening in the world, our team prioritizes our desire to give back to our communities and help families in need get through some of their most challenging times.”
Meanwhile in the Washington, DC area, Ukrainian native Krystyna Golkin, co-owner of Paul Davis Restoration & Remodeling of Suburban Virginia, along with her husband Andrew, is busy gathering items to ship to Ukrainian soldiers fighting the war.
“I am Ukrainian American and my entire family, except my brother, is still in Ukraine,” said Krystyna. “This is an exceedingly difficult time for us and we, Ukrainian Americans, are doing what we can to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom and democracy. I am working with a group of volunteers through Saint Andrew Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral in Silver Spring, Maryland. We are collecting necessities at our homes and then bringing them to the church on a weekly basis as well as work on campaigns to purchase items online and ship directly to warehouses, where volunteers sort and ship out to Ukraine.”
Krystyna’s parents, both of whom are doctors in Western Ukraine, are helping supply soldiers with items that will sustain them as they go off to war.
A group of volunteers created an Amazon wish-list so donors can purchase and ship directly to the church or warehouse location. Here is the link: