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Students at George Washington University, organized by the Ukraine Working Group 2025, marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion with the Ukraine Security Conference. As part of the event, they decided to launch a fundraiser in support of Leleka Foundation.
"We had many prestigious speakers, and the idea was to use this platform to simultaneously raise some funds for Ukraine. We chose Leleka because the organization helps medics save lives. I’ve heard a lot about Leleka from my parents in Ukraine, who actively support the foundation there," said Oleksandra Pashkina, the event’s initiator, student, and head of Ukraine Working Group 2025.
To attract more people and draw additional attention, Pashkina collaborated with Leleka Foundation to organize a screening of the film "Antarctica: War Diaries." The documentary tells the story of a team of 14 Ukrainian researchers who, despite Russia’s full-scale invasion, traveled 15,000 km from home to relieve another research team at Ukraine’s "Vernadsky" Station in Antarctica.
Additionally, students organized the exhibition: "Antarctica: From the Ukrainian Antarctic Akademik Vernadsky Station & Ukraine’s Landscape" (by Sergii Glotov and Denys Kryvyi).
"People here are tired of hearing about the war. So we try to find new angles to tell them about Ukraine and remind them what’s happening. That’s why we decided to showcase both the beauty of Ukraine and the dedication of our scientists—who, despite everything, continue fulfilling their mission. It’s extremely important. Many people didn’t even know that Ukraine has its own research station there. They’re asking a lot of questions. We are grateful to Leleka for all the support in organizing the events," said Oleksandra.
Pashkina also arranged for several restaurants near the university to donate a percentage of their daily proceeds to support the campaign "Three Years of War: Help Medics Save Lives in Ukraine."
All funds raised will go toward purchasing additional medical backpacks.
Tactical medical backpacks are critical for saving lives on Ukraine’s front lines. These backpacks, filled with essential trauma care supplies, are the #1 request from Ukrainian field medics.
Every month, Leleka Foundation packs and delivers approximately 300 fully equipped medical backpacks to frontline units. Each of these backpacks enables medics to provide emergency care for up to 10 wounded soldiers, giving them a fighting chance to survive.
You can support the campaign here.