In Seattle, 74-year-old Ralph Richardson has raised over $9,000 for Ukraine Defense Support, a local nonprofit that helps Ukrainian volunteers on the front lines, since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Despite the rain, cold, and not always favorable reactions from passersby, the man takes to the streets almost every day to support Ukraine.
This was reported by local TV station KING 5.
“When Putin invaded Ukraine, I said, ‘I have to do something,’” Ralph Richardson said in a commentary.
Richardson can reportedly be seen almost every day in Seattle near the Interstate 5 exit at NE 45th Street and 5th Avenue. That’s where he collects donations for Ukraine Defense Support, which supports Ukrainian volunteers working near the front lines.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Richardson has already raised more than $9,000. The organization itself confirmed this amount and noted that the actual amount of aid could be even greater if cash contributions are taken into account.
“We only received one donation. But, you know, there are days when there is nothing at all,” Richardson said.
According to the man, one of the recent days was particularly difficult: after several hours in the rain, he finished the collection with only eight dollars. However, even such results do not make him stop.
“On a normal day, I stay longer - almost until dusk, to see how it goes,” he says.
As noted, Richardson initially transferred funds through large national charitable structures, but later decided to support a local initiative to be sure: the help goes directly to where it is needed most.
“I said: ‘Wait, I want to focus on Ukraine ... we need to send maximum help right there,’” Richardson emphasizes.
According to the 74-year-old volunteer, his personal life experience helps him to feel the tragedy of Ukrainian families affected by the war more deeply. That is why for him this collection is not just a way to help, but also an internal mission.
“All I ever wanted was a family. When Putin invaded Ukraine and started killing people, actually committing genocide, simply throwing people en masse into a common grave, I said to myself: ‘I have to do something… I believe that God will not let them lose, so I have to help,’” he summed up.
Ukraine Defense Support notedthat Ralph Richardson’s story is another example of how Ukrainians inspire people around the world to support Ukraine in ways that are accessible to them.
“Ukrainians inspire people all over the world to help in any way they can. All of us at UDS are grateful to Ralph,” the organization noted.
Photo: VM collage
Author: Inna Mikhno