The fourth annual celebration ofThe George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards honored incredibly inspiring individuals who are making sizable impacts on their communities and in the world.
José Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator, New York Times bestselling author, educator and humanitarian. He was named one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” in both 2012 and 2018 and awarded the 2015 National Humanities Medal from President Barack Obama.
As the chef/owner of the award-winning José Andrés Group, Andrés has been a pioneer of Spanish tapas in the United States and is also known for his groundbreaking avant-garde cuisine. Recently launched in 2021, José Andrés Media specializes in television, books, podcasts, and digital content with a focus on food- and culture-related stories. As a naturalized citizen originally from Spain, Andrés has also been a tireless advocate for immigration reform.
Andrés’ nonprofit,World Central Kitchen, has provided essential goods and services in the realm of disaster relief. FollowingHurricane Ian, the organization provided more than 800,000 meals in just the two weeks to the people of Florida. The team has continued to provide meals to people in crisis on six different continents, including responding to the war in Ukraine by providing hundreds of millions of meals to displaced people.
World Central Kitchen has also partnered with thousands of restaurants, farmers and community leaders around the country to combat food and nutrition insecurity, laying the groundwork for smarter national food policy.
Points of Light is proud to recognize Andrés as a changemaker who is driving significant and sustained impact through his efforts.
A Network of Volunteers Helps Displaced Ukrainian Children See a Zoo for the First Time
April 6 was a warm, sunny day. A group of displaced Ukrainian children and their families pulled up in front of the Budapest Zoo beneath a cloudless blue sky. They arrived by public bus, accompanied by a special police escort.
The group spent the day exploring the zoo, seeing all the highlights, from the menagerie of exotic animals to climbing to the top of an amazing “Magic Mountain.” It was a day filled with joy in the midst of a time of extraordinary hardship and sorrow. Making it happen took the time, dedication and cooperation of many volunteers and organizations.
Budapest Methodological Social Centre and Institutions (BMSZKI) is one of the largest social organizations in Hungary and in the Central European region. It has set up accommodation for refugees in two locations, hosting nearly 200 displaced people in total. One location, Gyáli út, has been welcoming mostly Ukrainian families, since late February, at the start of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. According to capital city officials, about 2,000 refugees had been supported with food and housing by mid-March.
The BMSZKI’s Budapest institutions mainly accommodate Hungarian-speaking Roma families from Transcarpathia and Ukrainian Roma from the Kyiv region. These are typically larger families of anywhere from eight to twenty members. These families tend to be very disadvantaged and cannot travel farther West, so they’ve remained in Hungary for a longer period. The big question is: What will happen to the people who are staying, who may number in the thousands? By the end of March, 7,700 people had applied for asylum status, and that figure is considered to be a conservative estimate.
Their situation is dire in many ways. They are not familiar with their surroundings, have never traveled by metro or tram and they do not speak local languages. Families from outside Kyiv tend to speak Ukrainian and Gypsy. Many of the adults cannot read or write. Even those who did not flee directly from the fighting have been traumatized by war, with the lives they’ve built collapsing overnight accompanied by constant worries about their relatives and homes.
BMSZKI’s facilities are dedicated to the care of unhoused people, which means they are well versed in how to support people in these circumstances. When the crisis in Ukraine first began, BMSZKI had the infrastructure and experience to help those who were displaced in the quickest and most efficient ways. The biggest challenge turned out to be the sudden influx of children, which was beyond what they were prepared to handle, but that didn’t stop them from problem-solving on the fly.
Displaced Ukrainian children enjoying the Budapest Zoo. Photo by Points of Light Global Network Affiliate Volunteering Hungary.
A weekly schedule was quickly developed, in cooperation with several Nongovernmental Organizations. It outlined which organization would host various children’s activities, along with when and how.
Many of the volunteers associated with these organizations were already giving their time to the Budapest Zoo, so it was decided that they would take a group of children, ages six months to 13 years — along with their families — on a field trip. The zoo’s philanthropic arm, Foundation for the Budapest Zoo, offered free tickets to the group.
Next came the challenge of how to get there. The Municipality of Budapest offered to provide a bus.
Once on site, Erzsi, a zoo volunteer, led the group on a tour of animal exhibits and other exciting highlights. The children loved climbing to the top of the “Magic Mountain,” where they could look around, see a beautiful view of Budapest and even slide down the mountainside. It was an unforgettable experience for the children and their parents, most of whom had never been to a zoo before. It turned out to be a glimmer of happiness in the midst of their trials, and the volunteers loved the experience too, receiving payment in the form of thanks and hugs from children and adults alike.
The group has plans to take the children on more adventures, including an expedition to a nearby airport to watch the planes take off and land. Participants say these activities are an essential part of keeping their enthusiasm going.
Corporate Volunteer Programme Coordinator Judit Tarcsai of
Points of Light operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations who serve more than 177 affiliates across 38 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities. Learn more about our Global Network.
Volunteer Power Across Causes Remains a Constant Need, Even in a Crisis
affiliates tell us that volunteering is one of the primary ways people have supported the humanitarian relief efforts in and around Ukraine. They also explained that, because this crisis comes on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been unforeseen ramifications including volunteer burnout as well as a singular focus on Ukraine relief work from those who want to remain engaged.
“People stopped helping in other areas, as they used to, and everyone wants to help the Ukrainian refugees — which is great — but when I talk with corporate partners or volunteers, they’re not interested in helping children, elders,” said Agnieszka Lissowska-Lewkowicz, who is the President of
affiliate and Polish non-governmental organization Centrum Wolontariatu. “We have to find a balance.”
There are countless needs waiting for support, from trash pickup in your neighborhood to walking dogs at your local animal shelter. There are so many ways to shine a light on your community by volunteering for a cause that speaks to you. To find a cause area that you feel passionate about, check out Points of Light’s
Figure out which areas of focus are important to you and which organizations you want to support. Now there are more ways to get involved than ever before. Consider whether you prefer to join volunteer opportunities that are in person or virtual.
Decide on Skills-based vs Learning Opportunities
Think about what skills you have to offer or whether you’d like to learn something new. Some organizations are looking for specialized talent like translators. Others may offer volunteer opportunities that require training, such as becoming a crisis counselor for Crisis Text Line.
Find Balance
Be realistic about balancing your volunteer time with other areas of your life, like your job and your family. Volunteering as a family may be one way to combine family time with living your best civic life.
Points of Light operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations who serve more than 177 affiliates across 38 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities. Learn more about our Global Network.
A Tale of Three Cities: What Humanitarian Relief Looks Like Across Europe
Hungary, Ireland and Spain. When it comes to aiding in the humanitarian relief effort around the Ukraine crisis, they share common ground. They are also worlds apart.
reports that a “very disadvantaged population” is arriving in her country. Some have never seen a toilet. Most have never attended school. Those with more education or a higher income tend to travel straight through. Only about 1,200 have been allowed to apply for refugee status in the country. For the rest, Judit and her coworkers pass out hygiene kits filled with toiletries and fresh clothing.
Fifteen hundred miles
away in Ireland, Terri O’Brien, corporate & programmes manager at
says that of the 15,000 displaced Ukrainians who have arrived so far, most tend to be from more highly educated and affluent backgrounds. However, the next wave is expected to be less advantaged. She noted that for her small country of five million, this influx is significant.
“We don’t always know people are coming,” she said. “It’s quiet, then 300 people arrive.”
Although Ireland has worked quickly to welcome displaced Ukrainian citizens, accommodations are already in short supply, and new arrivals are being diverted to remote towns. This latest crisis comes on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, which placed tremendous strain on Irish systems.
“Covid prepared us for disaster but has also contributed to burnout,” she said. “People are getting worn out, but still, amazing stuff is happening.”
Director of corporate social innovation Almudena Pérez Molina of
, painted a picture of hope in her homeland of Spain. For the next year, new arrivals will have the same rights as Spanish citizens. They can work and have access to free healthcare services. The government has set up four refugee reception centers across the nation designed to help find housing and field other integral needs.
Almudena shared that, prior to the Ukrainian crisis, there are some towns in Spain that were becoming depopulated because younger people were moving into big cities. These are perfectly functional places with infrastructure including roads, schools, hospitals and housing. They have come to be known as “Empty Spain.” The area of Galicia is one such example. Its inhabitants have welcomed displaced Ukrainians with open arms. Elderly Spanish citizens here, and in other small towns, are happy to welcome new people.
“This could be a beautiful opportunity for refugees,” said Almudena.
How You Can Help
The universal need across Europe is cash donations. When you donate to our Global Network affiliates,
you’re directly supporting real people, on the ground, doing essential work in humanitarian relief efforts. Your donation not only supports their important work but also stimulates their local economies through purchasing and hiring, which makes for a successful transition for displaced people and their host countries.
Gifts through this fund are directed to Global Network affiliates in the region that know best what the emergent needs are in their areas. These organizations are experts in their field and have a firm grasp on what must be done and how to do it.
Points of Light operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations who serve more than 177 affiliates across 38 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities. Learn more about our Global Network.
Polish Family Opens Home to Ukrainian Mother and Daughter
“
I had to choose between staying together with my husband or saving my little child,” said a displaced Ukrainian woman, who wished to be kept anonymous for safety reasons. She escaped Krzywy Róg, the largest city in central Ukraine, with her four-year-old daughter.
“She
is too small to understand things, like how you have to react during the bomb attack,” she said. “I also know that such traumatic experiences can influence the rest of her life.”
Agnieszka Lissowska-Lewkowicz, President of Points of Light Global Network affiliate and Polish non-governmental organization Centrum Wolontariatu.
This little family of two was forced to make the agonizing decision to leave their husband and father behind and escape to Warsaw. There they met Agnieszka Lissowska-Lewkowicz, who is the President of
affiliate and Polish non-governmental organization Centrum Wolontariatu.
From the start of the war, Agnieszka and her family knew they wanted to help. They began to consider hosting a displaced family but were unsure of what that truly meant in terms of the length of the commitment and how it would influence their home life. Then Agnieszka received a call from a friend who asked if she might consider welcoming the mother and daughter into her home.
“I thought maybe this is a good idea,” said Agnieszka. “This is an opportunity to help.”
Agnieszka and her husband, mother and 10-year-old daughter decided to open their divided two-story home. The first three weeks were a big adjustment, and then things began to fall into place. They fell into a rhythm, finding a balance between sharing meals and enjoying private time apart. Their guest found a job as a hairdresser, and her daughter was enrolled in a nearby kindergarten class.
“
I found a shelter with a good family, my daughter went to kindergarten and is doing great,” said the woman. “I already have a job. Of course, I still do not know the future. I don’t know the language, I don’t know how much time it will take me to learn Polish, if I earn enough to rent a place, when it will be possible to stand on my own.”
The Realities of Living Together
There are more than 2 million displaced people in Poland, nearly 300,000 in Warsaw alone. That makes for a 17 percent increase in the city’s population. These types of changes bring a host of complexities, the language divide being a big one.
Agnieska’s story is a micro-example of what’s happening in the city at large. The two families speak different languages – Polish and Russian. Even though the two languages are similar in many ways, the differences presented more challenges than expected.
“They are words similar, but there are words and sentences that we wouldn’t understand each other,” said Agnieszka. “I really thought it would be easier, so this was a big surprise for me.”
When the family of two arrived, they had nothing more than the clothes on their backs. Agnieszka had saved clothing that her daughter had outgrown and gathered clothing from friends. They bought toothbrushes, soap and other hygiene supplies. They also worked through the most pressing need of getting official documents in order to facilitate school enrollment and employment.
It has been three weeks since the pair moved in. Nobody knows how long they will stay, but that’s ok with Agnieszka and her family.
“She is a very strong person in a very difficult situation,” said Agnieszka. “At the beginning, I thought [they would be with us for] a few weeks. Now, I’m thinking a few months, but I’m not afraid because we stay good together. We are really lucky, which makes me smile.”
How Can You Help?
If you are in a position to host a displaced person or family, Agnieszka encourages a thoughtful approach that will enable you to sustain lasting support.
“Be sure everyone in your family is on the same page. Your family is your first obligation,” said Agnieszka. “Organize your life together in a way that there are moments together and there are moments [for just] your family. This balance is needed. Only with this balance you will be able to help long term.”
To support families doing this kind of work, visit Points of Light Global Network Affiliate
to make a donation or volunteer. Right now, they need funds and are also looking for a social media professional to help them use their voice as an organization to advocate for those in need, a service that can be offered remotely, from anywhere in the world.
Centrum Wolontariatu and other organizations like it are keenly aware of arising needs in real time. When you support the
, your gift is funneled to our affiliate network in the region so they can respond quickly and directly.
Points of Light operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations who serve more than 177 affiliates across 38 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities. Learn more about our Global Network.
Transportation is an Essential Need in the Ukraine Crisis
As displaced Ukrainians make their way out of their homeland and begin to build new lives in new places, there are a whole host of needs that have arisen. Some are evident, like shelter and healthcare, while others are simpler but still important, like toiletries and socks. But right now, one of the most pressing needs is transportation.
At first glance, the need to move displaced people — individuals, families, and larger groups — from place to place seems obvious. Moving volunteers, goods and donations is an equally pressing issue.
Companies and individuals around the world have stepped up to answer the call for help.
The Washington Post reported that Tom Littledyke, a U.K.-based pub owner, drove his personal 16-seat minibus more than 1,000 miles from his home in Lyme Regis, a small coastal English town, to the Polish border of Ukraine to deliver more than $1,000 worth of supplies. He then continued to transport people from a train station in Lviv, Ukraine, to the Polish border so they could cross to safety.
News outlets in Europe report that Paddywagon, an Irish tour bus company, sent a fleet of coaches to Poland loaded with donations to support those who are displaced, including medical supplies, blankets, hygiene products, baby food, diapers and toys. After the buses were emptied of supplies, the drivers turned around and transported more than 200 Ukrainian refugees to France, where Brittany Ferries provided free cabins on the journey back to Ireland.
The European Travel Commission is a non-profit responsible for the promotion of Europe as a tourist destination. They have pledged to provide transportation, as well as shelter and food, to displaced Ukrainians.
“Travel is a force of peace towards a better future, and no aggression should stop it,” the ETC said in a statement.
How You Can Help
Drive.
No matter where you are in the world, you can have an impact on this humanitarian crisis. Volunteering your own time to transport those in need in your own vehicle is one path you can take. But do not self-deploy. Be sure to connect with a Points of Light
affiliate in your area that understands the landscape and the needs so that you can support the relief effort both safely and effectively.
Connect.
Appeal to companies and organizations that have the resources to help. If you know a transportation company that may be interested in loaning its vehicles, reach out to one of Points of Light’s
, we will funnel your donation directly to our affiliates in the area.
Points of Light operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations who serve more than 177 affiliates across 38 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities. Learn more about our Global Network.
Points of Light Affiliate and Corporate Partner Join Forces to Aid in the Ukraine Crisis
Imagine, coming home from your workday, overhearing young children talking about becoming refugees – describing having to leave the homes they’ve always known because of bombings.
This is an experience Agnieszka Lissowska-Lewkowicz vividly remembers, and it’s one of the things that drives her to find meaningful ways to support the more than 2 million Ukrainian refugees in Poland.
Her organization has been able to help connect corporate volunteers with a few hundred refugees so far.
. It is, by far, the most pressing need because funding allows those on the ground to put much-needed expertise and staffing in place to meet emergent needs in real time. For example, $18,000 can fund a full-time staff person at these organizations for an entire year.
, the Points of Light affiliate in Poland, Lissowska-Lewkowicz has been working to coordinate support between local nonprofit organizations, like Malteser Ukraine, and businesses in the region including Raytheon, a Points of Light corporate partner. The company has
8,000 employees in Poland, its largest site outside of North America.
Raytheon’s overarching goal is to understand the needs and work with trusted organizations to coordinate employee volunteers and assist financially. Its teams are procuring essential items for distribution to refugees through the Polish government. Some are even helping by housing refugees.
In uncertain times, knowing that nonprofits in the region are working with civic-minded companies to aid refugees and others in need provides a sense of hope. There are also things you can do to help.
3 Ways You Can Support Ukraine Today
Donate. Cash is the single most effective way you can support Ukrainian relief. When you donate through Points of Light, we ensure that your gift directly reaches our affiliates around Ukraine so they can support refugees and mobilize other humanitarian efforts.
Do not self-deploy. It’s understandable that seeing harrowing images of the suffering in and around Ukraine might prompt you to feel compelled to take action. Wait until experts in the region say the time is right. Otherwise, what is intended to be helpful could actually become a hindrance – or worse – a danger.
Get involved with an organization serving refugees in your own community. Points of Light can connect you with a worldwide network of affiliates that are in close touch with the specialized needs around Ukraine relief. Find an organization near you so you can be in touch and prepared to act when the time comes.
Points of Light operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations who serve more than 177 affiliates across 38 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities. Learn more about our Global Network.
6 Ways to Activate Points of Light’s Civic Circle Around Ukraine Relief
As Ukrainian refugees evacuate their homeland and begin to build new lives in new countries, you can support them. We’ve gathered a collection of ways for you to activate
Cash donations offer flexibility for organizations to respond in real time to people’s developing needs. Do your research first so you can be sure that the organization you plan to support is legitimate. Points of Light has established the
is happening all April long. Now is a great time to register to volunteer, but please do not self-deploy. There is limited access around humanitarian relief efforts right now. Working in the aftermath can be both dangerous and complex. It’s safest to wait until the impacted community has requested support, then coordinate with a vetted organization. Find a
, where we share updates and valuable information from our affiliates and other organizations about ways to support Ukraine. You can also follow first responders that are taking action to learn about the most pressing needs. Be intentional to watch media that cover both conservative and liberal views.
Through signing a petition, creating artwork with a statement or even staying silent, you can make your voice heard. And of course, you can share on your own social media network to raise awareness about long-term recovery needs. Just be careful to choose trustworthy sources to ensure you’re spreading accurate information. Check out our issue of
Your dollars can have an impact. You can choose to do business with companies supporting relief efforts in and around Ukraine with proceeds from your purchases. Participate in your own
by searching for companies that are selling products and services that you need. Some companies that are doing this work include Epic Games, maker of the popular video game, Fortnite. The company is giving away all proceeds from the game through April 3. Video game console maker Xbox has joined their effort by donating their net proceeds as well. Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation launched the ‘Meta History: Museum of War’ collection, a series of NFTs that support the war effort in Ukraine. Grammarly, an English language app, is donating $5 million to organizations and funds supporting the people of Ukraine.
There is a growing movement in the corporate sector toward “doing well by doing good,” This ideal could look like giving to humanitarian relief efforts through employee matching, which not only supports the cause but amplifies employee donations. Find out if your company is supporting Ukraine through donations and matching or other means.
Some companies that are doing this type of work include:
Bank of America, which pledged to donate $1 million to the people of Ukraine via five groups: the Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Ukraine and the region, World Central Kitchen, Cooperative for Assistance and Relief Everywhere, International Medical Corps and Project Hope. The bank also said it would match employee donations to support the relief effort.
KPMG Chair and CEO, Paul Knopp, shared via Twitter, “At KPMG we stand with and support the people of Ukraine, condemning violent attacks by the Russian givernment [sic]. Today, KPMG is making an initial $250,000 donation to GlobalGiving’s Ukraine Crisis Relief Fund and encouraging our partners and professionals to donate as well.”
Whether you activate all six elements of the Civic Circle or choose just one, you’re exercising your civic power. Which will you choose? Tag us on
Points of Light operates with a network of innovative volunteer-mobilizing organizations who serve more than 177 affiliates across 38 countries around the world. Together we are inspiring, equipping and mobilizing more people to use their time, talent, voice and resources to create positive change in their communities. Learn more about our Global Network.
3 Ways to Support Relief Efforts in Ukraine Right Now
We have added trusted organizations seeking support that have activated local and international relief efforts.
Points of Light will continue to provide updates on new and developing opportunities for support. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates on how you can help.
Points of Light and our Global Network stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who are being impacted by attacks of war that are placing millions of lives at risk. As images of people fleeing their homes and seeking refuge are broadcast across screens around the globe, it’s natural to feel an urgency to help. You can have an impact, no matter where you are in the world. Below are three ways you can support relief efforts, as recommended by Points of Light and our Global Network disaster committee.
Donate. Research and give to a reputable international relief organization or one of our network affiliates listed below. Cash donations offer flexibility for organizations to respond in real time to people’s developing needs. Organizations are able to direct your dollars to the most-needed resources and put them in the hands of experienced responders, giving them the tools they need to help people recover. Do your research first so you can be sure that the organization you plan to support is legitimate. See our list below of trusted organizations.
Register to volunteer. While there is limited access for humanitarian relief efforts right now, working in in the aftermath can be both dangerous and complex. It’s crucial not to self-deploy. Until a need has been identified and the impacted community has requested support, volunteers should not enter. In the meantime, there may be opportunities to support relief efforts from home or in your community. Find a Points of Light Global Network affiliate in your area to learn how local organizations are responding to the events in Ukraine.
Be patient. The recovery process of any crisis or disaster can last much longer than the news cycle. There will be a persisting need for donations and volunteers for years to come. Stay informed by listening and learning to find out what the community needs. You can also use your voice by sharing on social media to raise awareness about long-term recovery needs.
When a crisis unfolds, we know that acting globally means acting locally. That’s why we look to elevate and support our most valuable resources in the region, our Global Network affiliates. Our affiliates in the vicinity of Ukraine are positioning themselves to respond to needs as they arise.
3 Ways to Support Relief Efforts in Haiti and Afghanistan
Points of Light and our Global Network stand in compassionate solidarity with those impacted by the events in Haiti and Afghanistan. We value that acting globally means acting locally and have already seen our affiliates respond to pressing needs, from providing refugee housing assistance to organizing donation drives in their local communities and more.
In the immediate aftermath of any natural disaster or upheaval, we know that you may want to step up to help. Below are three ways you can make an impact and support relief efforts,
as recommended by Points of Light and our Global Network disaster committee.
Cash is best. Research and donate to a reputable international relief organization. Cash gives agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources, and a donation helps to put experienced responders on the ground, giving them the tools they need to help people recover. It’s also important to avoid charity scams, and background research can help make sure that your donation goes to a legitimate organization.
Register to volunteer with a responding agency. Do not self-deploy and don’t underestimate the complexity of working in a disaster area. Until a need has been identified and the community impacted has requested support, volunteers should not enter. There may also be opportunities to support disaster relief efforts from home or in your local community. Find a Points of Light Global Network affiliate in your area to learn how local organizations are responding to the events in Haiti and Afghanistan.
Be patient. Recovery lasts a lot longer than the media attention around international events. There will be volunteer and cash needs for many months, often years, after the disaster – especially when the community enters the long-term recovery period. Continue to monitor relief efforts and the organizations responding to the events so you’ll be ready to take action and connect to an opportunity when the need arises.
Follow us on social media @PointsofLight for updates from Points of Light and our Global Network affiliates.
