HELP US TO ASSIST STREET VENDORS IN UKRAINE. With your support we can:
- Buy food and other basic necessities for our members currently living in the shelters
- Organize for shelter in other countries
- Provide economic assistance
Who are you supporting and why does it matter
Since the full scale Russian invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, 2022, we at StreetNet International, a global alliance of street vendors in over 50 countries, have been in constant communication with the leadership of our affiliate, the Free Trade Union of Entrepreneurs of Ukraine (VPPU). We are making an urgent call to establish a solidarity fund that will provide immediate economic assistance to our members and we are counting on your solidarity to make this possible.
VPPU is a 20,000-person strong union of market vendors and small scale entrepreneurs.Their work over the past decade has guaranteed employment to informal economy workers, especially in Kyiv where the majority of their members are based. The trade union has been a staunch defender of worker’s civil rights. They disseminate information and provide direct assistance to small businesses and their employees.
Established in 2011 as a result of Tax Maidan, a series of protests against increased taxes for entrepreneurs, VPPU has since fought to protect the right of Ukrainians to protest and oppose anti-worker initiatives. Prior to the Russian invasion, VPPU was working to ease the impact of Covid-19 on its members and implement their economic recovery plans.
Why we need urgent support NOW!
Today the city of Kyiv and all of Ukraine is under siege. Our members have sought refuge in various bomb shelters in the country and are in need of urgent assistance. For our members in the Eastern and Southern regions of Ukraine, in particular, it is too dangerous to go outside. They lack food and basic necessities and are being supported by other members. Our affiliate organization is also trying to help evacuate mothers from Kyiv, which is under permanent attack, with the help of other members and our staff.
Because of this tragic situation, we are launching this crowdfunding campaign to help street vendors in Ukraine.The funds raised shall be used to assist in providing immediate relief and economic assistance.
Despite the real tragedy of war, our members have shown incredible resilience and courage. They report that some among them have just become parents, forced to give birth in the shelters. We are strengthened by this news and reminded of the work that needs to be done in order to secure a peaceful and prosperous future for all of our members. Nothing for us without us!
