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As the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues, Philadelphians are mobilizing to help people caught in the war zone.
The Philly region has the second-largest Ukrainian population in the U.S., including more than 5,200 immigrants and about 60,000 who trace their heritage to that country. But it’s not just people with direct connections acting to provide aid to what’s considered the fastest and largest European displacement since World War II (nearly 1.5 million have fled in just over a week, per the Wall Street Journal).
In the early morning hours on Friday, the Russian flag on the Ben Franklin Parkway was pulled down and replaced with the Ukrainian flag. Officials quickly caught the change and swapped it back, but not before the message got across.
You don’t have to climb a flagpole to make a difference. Across Philadelphia this weekend, there are ways to send money, provide food, and show solidarity for the people affected by Vladmir Putin’s so-far unrelenting offensive.
Here’s a roundup of how you can help. (Know something we missed? Email tips@billypenn.com.)
Pastry chef bake sale
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 6
Her Place Supper Club, 1740 Sansom St.
Sweets wizard Abby Dahan, who honed her skills at Parc before launching The Bake School, organized over a dozen colleagues for a pastry chef bake sale in Rittenhouse. Expect mochi brownies, snickerdoodle cookies, chocolate tahini layer cake and much more.
All proceeds benefit Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen, which is providing hot meals on the Ukrainian border.
Ukraine benefit brunch
11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 5-6
Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave.
Hit up one of Fishtown’s most respected tavern-slash-music venues for locally sourced brunch and you’ll automatically be supporting the cause. All weekend long, 20% of daytime sales will be donated to Ukrainian relief efforts.
Beer brewed by a Ukrainian
1 to 11 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 9 p.m. Sunday, March 5-6
Attic Brewing Co., 137 Berkley St.
This Germantown brewery and taproom is donating 10% of all sales throughout the weekend to help the people of Ukraine, where the head brewery was born and still has family. When you go, check out the new German pilsner on tap called G-Town Strutter. Pair it with dishes from the various food trucks that pop-up outside.
Anti-war rally
4 p.m. Sunday, March 6
Independence Hall, 6th and Chestnut streets
Last weekend’s rally outside the historic building known as the birthplace of the United States drew hundreds of supporters, and it’s happening again. The Philly chapter of anti-war group the Granny Peace Brigade is hosting. Bring signs, flags, and your voice.
GoFundMe for humanitarian aid
Ongoing, online
The Philadelphia-based United Ukrainian-American Relief Committee has already raised more than $280,000 via crowdfunding. According to the GoFundMe page, the money is being used to buy medical supplies and equipment for people caught in the conflict.
