The Incredible Results of NH’s Support for Ukraine

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Alex Ray, Owner of The Common Man Restaurant Group along with local New Hampshire residents, business owners, and nonprofits sought ways to support those affected by the conflict. 

Thanks to the collaborative effort and vision of Sean O’Kane, former commissioner of the Department of Resources and Economic Development, David Tille, former New England Regional Administrator of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Alex Ray, owner of The Common Man Family in New Hampshire, John Tinios, owner of the Galley Hatch & Popover Restaurants, Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way, the Lech Walesa Institute in Poland, and Dean Kamen, founder of DEKA the New Hampshire Ukraine Relief Fund launched a few weeks later, aimed at addressing both immediate needs such as transportation, accommodation, food, medicine, childcare supplies, and hygiene kits.

Granite United Way developed an efficient and effective way to handle monetary donations and through the New Hampshire Ukraine Relief Fund, 100% of the donations received were securely passed on to the Walesa Institute for relief efforts in Ukraine.

The donor response was overwhelming and was increased even greater by corporate partners like Scott Enterprises who matched all donations to the NH Ukraine Relief Fund up to $10,000 and Common Man who matched all donations up to one million dollars. This generosity speaks volumes about the spirit of New Hampshire’s residents, demonstrating their willingness to roll up their sleeves and make things happen for a crisis unfolding nearly 5,000 miles away.

Donations to Granite United Way were distributed via Rotary International – Poland District to ensure that funds were used for their intended purposes.

This effort showcases how New Hampshire often uniquely addresses things,” says Patrick Tufts, President & CEO of Granite United Way. “We are a state of visionary, compassionate, and driven individuals. While we recognize that no single entity can solve one of the world’s most complex issues, we do know that together we can create true impact.” 

As people migrated to safety across Europe, United Way’s trusted partners United Way Romania, United Way Hungary and the Good Initiatives Foundation in Poland worked with local partners to determine the needs on the ground and to address the immediate and longer-term relief. 

Thanks to the generous support of our donors, critical support services have been established such as a Bloodmobile, daycare, a trauma counseling center for Ukrainian refugees in Poland, food distribution, and safe housing for children in Ukraine to alleviate the suffering caused by this crisis.The people of New Hampshire have shown that they can take an idea and transform it into a movement of compassion and support. It is a testament to the power of unity in times of crisis.