Brands that are Stepping Up to Support Ukraine Amidst War

So far, over 450 companies have withdrawn from Russia. Brands like Amazon, Burger King, Coca-Cola, Pepsi and many others have suspended operations in Russia. 

The list of companies withdrawing from Russia grows every day but other businesses have taken different steps in an attempt to help Ukrainians. 

In addition to many businesses pausing activities in Russia, many brands have found ways to use their skills to aid Ukraine as the war continues to unfold. 

Here is a list of companies and the actions they have taken to go above and beyond to help those suffering in Ukraine. 

Verizon 

On Feb. 25, Verizon announced that all international call, text and data charges will be waived to those in Ukraine, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania and Slovakia. This offer applies to all wireless and landline consumer and business customers. 

Verizon’s offer allows those in turmoil to reach family and friends across the world without any stress of international fees. 

Originally, this was only going to last until March 10, but the offer was extended for the rest of the month. 

On top of this, Verizon has donated $750K to be distributed among three nonprofits to support Ukraine. The nonprofits chosen by the wireless carrier were Medical Corps, Save the Children’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund and the USA for UNHCR. 

EGC Group’s Craft Beverage Division, First Sip Brew Box and Hoot Design Studio 

These creative teams from the craft brewing industry collaborated to create a customizable beer label design that says “Make Peace Not War”, which is free for any brewery to use. 

Not only does the label promote supporting Ukraine, but it also helps provide aid to those involved in the conflict. 

Local breweries are encouraged to customize the template with their own logo and beer style as long as they devote 10 percent of the proceeds to a charity providing relief to those in Ukraine. 

This donation strategy stands out among the rest since it is not led by a single large company. Instead, it gives smaller brewery brands across the nation the freedom to utilize the label for a bigger cause. 

This is a simple yet effective method that gives local and smaller companies a chance to make a difference and spread the word about the crisis. 

Kellogg Company

The Kellogg Company, which has a family of products like Cheez-It, Pringles and many popular cereal brands, announced their aid efforts for Ukraine on March 9. 

Food, such as cereal bars and snacks, will be donated to Ukraine by the company through the UNHCR and The Global FoodBanking Network.

Additionally, the company stated it will donate $1 million to provide front-line support and food for refugees fleeing Ukraine. 

Donations to Ukraine from brands within the food industry have started to pressure other similar companies to do the same. 

Hilton

On March 9, Hilton released a statement on the actions it plans to take in response to the Ukraine and Russia crisis.

In partnership with American Express, the hospitality company vowed to donate up to 1 million room nights across Europe to Ukrainian refugees.

On top of this, the company faced an issue with their corporate office being located in Moscow.

Ultimately, Hilton decided to close its Moscow corporate office, ensuring they will compensate any impacted employees, while also suspending all development activity in Russia. 

All of the profits from Hilton operations based out of Russia will be donated directly to Ukraine’s humanitarian relief efforts.

Airbnb

Airbnb announced its Airbnb.org Refugee Fund on Feb. 8, promising short-term housing to up to 100,000 refugees. 

These short-term stays were made possible through donors and generous Airbnb hosts. 

The statement adds that the company will work closely with governments of different countries, adjusting support based on specific needs that include providing longer-term stays. 

This is not the first time Airbnb has secured free housing for refugees. Over the past five years, the company and its sister nonprofit have garnered 4,000 donors, providing temporary housing to over 54,000 refugees. 

Airbnb is in a unique position since many people, including Airbnb hosts, are eager to provide help to those fleeing for safety. This allows the company to easily provide housing for refugees through its vast network. 

Epic Games and Xbox

Fortnite developer, Epic Games, released that the first two weeks of proceeds from Fortnite’s new season will be donated to Ukraine-related humanitarian efforts. 

These donations will also include all real-money purchases through the game along with retail gift card purchases redeemed within that timeframe. 

In addition, Microsoft’s Xbox also made the same pledge in support of Ukraine. Together, the companies were able to raise $70 million as of March 25. 

All of the donations were distributed between nonprofits including Direct Relief, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the World Food Programme. 

Epic included in its statement that more organizations will be added in the coming weeks. 

Etsy 

Etsy’s blog post outlines the company’s actions they have taken to support Ukraine as of March 9. 

With many people wanting to support those from Ukraine, Etsy curated a selection of Ukrainian listings to make it easy for shoppers to find.

To further support the small Ukrainian businesses, the company canceled all current balances owed by sellers in Ukraine, along with issuing additional credits to cover business expenses. 

Additionally, Etsy has temporarily deactivated all listings from sellers in Russia.