Manufacturer driving relief awareness during April Market
CHANTILLY, Va. — As the war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis, many have felt affected by both the images of destruction and the strength of the Ukrainian people. For furniture manufacturer BDI, the conflict has taken on a more personal meaning, having partnered with a company in Ukraine for more than a decade.
BDI has offered its support to its Kyiv-based graphics partner, ArchiCGI, as they have launched SaveKyiv.org, a charity to support humanitarian aid efforts during the current conflict. The charity has raised almost $200,000 to date. These funds have been used for the purchase of medicines, food and equipment in support of the Defensive Army and the innocent civilians affected by this attack.
“ArchiCGI has been a partner in the BDI family for more than a decade,” said Bill Becker, founder and CEO of BDI. “We’re in constant contact with ArchiCGI team members, and we understand what a scary and uncertain situation they are in. Through the years, we have visited Kyiv on multiple occasions and have always been captured by the spirit and warmth of the Ukrainian people. With everything happening, we couldn’t stand by, so we have made significant donations to our partner as well as the SaveKyiv.org organization they have developed that is helping people on the ground in Ukraine.”
According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), over two million people have fled to neighboring countries to escape the crisis, and the number of those currently displaced within the country is growing every day. Aid organizations around the world are scrambling to circumvent this growing humanitarian crisis, as well as support those most at risk for exploitation and abuse.
“Many of ArchiCGI’s team of 500 people are now refugees, relocating to safer territories while others have joined the fight. We felt it was important to do our part to support our partners and citizens in the area, and we encourage others in our industry to do the same,” said Becker.
At the upcoming High Point Furniture Market, BDI will be promoting awareness of the crisis in Ukraine in their High Point showroom, IHFC Design Center 536. Visitors will receive a button to wear proudly in solidarity, and will have the opportunity to see ways they can directly support the efforts in Ukraine.
Click here to donate to SaveKyiv.org.
See other ways to support on BDI’s site https://www.bdiusa.com/support-for-ukraine