Ukraine.Photo: Pavlo Palamarchuk/SOPA Images/Shutterstock
The Utah Jazz is stepping up in a big way for thousands ofUkrainiansin need of help.
On Tuesday, theUtah Jazz Foundationannounced it will fund 32,000 nights of short-term, free housing for Ukrainian refugees who are fleeing the country after Russian PresidentVladimir Putinlaunched an invasion into Ukraine on Feb. 24. The foundation is providing a contribution toAirbnb.org, an independent nonprofit that allows Airbnb hosts to temporarily volunteer their homes to people in times of crisis.
“Connection and community have never been more important than it is today,” Jazz owner Ryan Smith said in astatement.
“Millions of people have been forced to leave behind their entire lives in Ukraine. Airbnb.org is connecting host families with refugees in need, creating safe havens when so many communities are being torn apart,” he added.
More than 2.3 million people have fled Ukraine since the start of the war, according to theU.N. Refugee Agency. Thousands of other civilians and soldiers have been killed amid the attacks, CBS Newsreported.
During their announcement, the Jazz invited fans to join them in making a donation to Airbnb.org or offer a discounted stay to a refugee.
“The Utah Jazz Foundation is honored to partner with Airbnb.org to fund stays for refugees who have fled Ukraine — enough to fill every seat right here in our own house, Vivint Arena, nearly two times over,” Smith continued in his statement.
On Wednesday night, the team also invited Utah violinist Gabriel Gordon to perform the Ukrainian national anthem before their game against the Portland Trailblazers.
RELATED VIDEO: Jamie Lee Curtis Says It’s ‘Hard to Watch’ Videos From the Children’s Hospital in Ukraine
“It’s part of my personal mission to bring a little bit more peace to the world through my music,” he added.
source: people.com
