Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis have joined a growing number of celebrities who are doing what they can to help support relief efforts amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The couple made the announcement on Thursday in a joint video that they shared to Kutcher’s Instagram page, which features 4.5 million followers. Kunis begins the clip by explaining that she was born in Chernivtsi, Ukraine in 1983.
“I came to America in 1991. I have always considered myself an American, a proud American,” she continued. “I love everything that this country has done for myself and my family. But today I have never been more proud to be a Ukrainian.”
“And I’ve never been more proud to be married to a Ukrainian,” Kutcher chimed in.
The pair continued on to explain they’re raising funds to support relief efforts that will have an “immediate impact” on getting refugee and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. To do so, the couple said they’re matching donations of up to $3 million.
The fundraiser is currently live via GoFundMe, and proceeds will go directly to Flexport and Airbnb. Flexport is helping to ship supplies to Ukraine as well as surrounding countries that have absorbed refugees, including Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary. Conversely, Airbnb has promised to help provide temporary housing to those affected by the crisis.
Speaking to the camera, Kutcher said that the biggest issues right now is logistics – they need to find a way to get supplies, resources, and housing in affected areas. But they’re positive that their financial contribution as well as donations from their followers will make a significant impact.
The GoFundMe page has been active for a day. The goal has been set at $30 million, and has already raised $9 million. The public page shows that Kutcher and Kunis donated $3 million, which the site notes is the “top donation.” Venture capitalist and philanthropist Ron Conway gave the first donation, valued at $2.5 million.
Earlier this week, we reported that another celebrity couple, Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, had similarly called on their followers to donate to the ongoing crisis. Sharing the message across their social media accounts, the couple promised to match donations of up to $1 million. The donations will go directly to USA for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
“@usaforunhcr is on the ground helping the 50,000+ Ukrainians who had to flee their homes in less than 48 hours,” Blake captioned a message on her Instagram.
Last Sunday, Ukraine’s health minister, Oleh Liashko, stated that at least 198 people have been killed, including 3 children. Thousands have been wounded and have had to flee their homes as Russia continues to actively attack the country.
Sources: Go Fund Me, Instagram @aplusk, NBC,
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