Built on Love, Driven by Action: Standing with Ukraine

Built on Love, Driven by Action

Standing with Ukraine

The four of us came to Ukraine at different times and for different reasons, but we were united by a shared admiration for the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people. Witnessing their courage and resilience transformed our lives, and we felt compelled to do more.

From Volunteers to Lifelines

Bill Record and Zeke Rabkin, both in their 70s, first crossed paths as volunteers at the Lviv Volunteer Kitchen (LVK), where vegetables were cleaned, sliced, diced, dehydrated, and packed into plastic bags. These ready-to-use soup kits provided a lifeline of nutritious meals for soldiers on the front lines and people displaced by the war. Soldiers on leave from the front lines often shared glowing testimonials about how much they valued the warmth and nourishment of LVK meals compared to standard army provisions.

It was over a pile of vegetables, or perhaps during a well-earned meal, that Bill and Zeke discovered they had both lived in Kenya at the same time in the 1970s. That rediscovered connection sparked new collaboration. Bill, a retired mechanical engineer, began developing a 3D Printer Farm in Ukraine—an innovative project that manufactured critical spare parts to address urgent supply gaps. This work culminated in the creation of a nonprofit dedicated to providing locally-sourced technical solutions to war-related challenges.

Strength in Community

Linda, one of our core team members, has made Ukraine her home for nearly three years. Based initially in Lviv, she quickly became a go-to connector among various expat and Ukrainian volunteer groups. Her problem-solving skills, calm demeanor, and strategic thinking earned her a reputation—so much so that volunteers would say, “Ask Linda” anytime an obstacle appeared. Though she briefly returned to the U.S. to help family, her commitment to Ukraine has never wavered.

Ian Netupsky, whose family roots trace back to Eastern Europe, has played a pivotal role in organizing infrastructure to support displaced families. With his help, the Lviv Volunteer Center grew into a hub of activity, enabling aid workers to coordinate food distribution, shelter, and logistics. He later founded Mothers for Ukraine (motherukraine.org), a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit that offers critical financial and emotional support to Ukrainian families devastated by the war.

Turning Compassion into Action

Zeke, leveraging decades of experience in fundraising and advocacy, found his strength in mobilizing resources. Through his efforts, thousands of dollars have been directed to Ukrainian nonprofits, ensuring a constant stream of aid where it’s needed most. His belief is simple: no act of generosity is too small, and no cause more deserving than one grounded in humanity.

While our roots trace back to New York, Ohio, and Texas, we share a deep connection to Ukraine. It has become more than a place we support—it has become home in our hearts.

We serve as a hub for verified Ukrainian organizations.

For inquiries or support, please reach out to them directly.