CIC stands in solidarity with Ukraine.
We condemn the decision of Russian President Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine and are heartbroken by the tragic loss of life as a result of this senseless war – not to mention the profound trauma for Ukrainian refugees and those who remain behind. As an organization, while we do not do business in the Russian Federation or Belarus, we are taking steps to ensure that CIC does not in other ways contribute to supporting the current Russian or Belarussian regimes, nor their economies.
Additionally, we have opened up our innovation campus in Warsaw, Poland – welcoming Ukrainian entrepreneurs to work from our District Hall workspace, as well as providing office space to non-government groups that are actively organizing support for Ukraine. We have joined a coalition of other organizations in Poland to collect financial donations for the Polish Humanitarian Action’s work with Ukrainian refugees, and are also collecting donations of goods at our Warsaw center to include in welcome packages for refugees.
Read on to learn more about our response, and how you can help.
Donate via #startups4UA
Through #startups4UA, CIC Warsaw & Venture Cafe Warsaw have joined forces with other CEE startups, investors, business angels, innovators, entrepreneurs and scientists to collect donations through Polish Humanitarian Action (PHA). Needs are changing daily – money collected through PHA will go towards supporting our colleagues from Ukraine, their families, friends and neighbors in whatever way is most needed.
*Note, #startups4UA is unable to accept payments via credit card from outside of Poland at this time. You can make donations using PayPal today by clicking “Select Payment Method” on the donation page.
Other ways to donate:
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The UN Refugee Agency supports families in need of humanitarian assistance.
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UN Crisis Relief has set-up a Ukraine Humanitarian Fund to support a wide range of partners organizations on the front lines of response.
Opening our doors
We welcome Ukrainian entrepreneurs to come work from and connect with others in our District Hall space, which is open to the public Monday through Friday, 8:30 until 22:00.
We are also supporting 3 non-governmental initiatives aiding Ukraine by providing them with space and amenities to do their work.
• PomocUA is a platform that assists Ukrainian refugees with finding whatever they need, from housing and transportation to legal guidance and more.
• One of the largest organizations that helped coordinate activities in Poland during the 2013 Euromaidan demonstrations in Ukraine is activating their immense network in order to connect Ukrainian people with Polish activists.
• Digital media brand Yes Theory has established “Team Ukraine Love,” sending their team to Poland to provide boots-on-the-ground support for Ukrainian refugees.
