Ukrainian-Born Locals Raising Money to Help Family Safely Evacuate

By edhat staff

A Santa Barbara family who immigrated from Ukraine in 2005 is raising money to help family members affected by war.

Helen Lash is the sales manager for Skin Deep, a salon and specialty store at 3405 State Street. She was born in Rivne, Ukraine, and moved to the United States when she was 13 years old leaving behind many extended family members and friends.

“After Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th, many of our family members and friends had to flee from their homes. They drove for many days to reach Poland, and finally when there was no other choice they walked 10 miles with their young children to the border. Some left to different countries leaving everything behind, some stayed to help as volunteers for the orphanages, etc.,” wrote Lash.

Now Lash and the owners of Skin Deep, sisters Tina Hasche and Nina Meyer, are fundraising to help those in need. Lash has started a GoFundMe campaign to directly aid her relatives and friends and Skin Deep is collecting donations and also committing to donate a percentage of purchases this month.

“My Ukrainian family and friends who are now refugees are in desperate need of support – as well as for those who are still in Ukraine helping others to survive. This war is slaughtering innocent children and families, destroying the lives of free people who simply wanted to live peacefully in the country they love,” Lash wrote.

“Many of our customers have made donations online – and others have come directly into Skin Deep to donate as well. However, we need to spread the word further,” said Meyer.

Donations can be made through GoFundMe or directly to Skin Deep at 3405 State Street in Santa Barbara.

Edhat Staff

Written by Edhat Staff

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  1. How do I double my donation to this family in honor of Gregoreo and Harbor Seal?
    We’re talking about humans, here. Humans whose cities, livelihoods and families are being destroyed by an irrational bully.
    I can’t imagine something like what they are experiencing happening (to that extent) in the US. And in my beautiful city, where I enjoy the good life surrounded by my family and friends, my heart breaks for them.

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