Susan Mathison tells the story of herself and her three friends in Plymouth, New Hampshire who were aghast at the invasion of Ukraine. Feeling called to do something, they used their collective experience and resources as humanitarians, activists, and businesspeople, as well as their connections with Rotary Clubs here and in Poland and Ukraine, to create Common Man For Ukraine. This multi-million-dollar grassroots network for basic humanitarian aid provides food, warmth, and psychological support for orphans, refugee, and displaced children due to the war in Ukraine. The organization runs on donations and volunteer work.
At least 2 million children are displaced in Ukraine, due to the death of family members and attempts of parents to hide their children from Russian abduction in Eastern Ukraine. Common Man for Ukraine delivers food, toys, sleeping bags, solar-powered lights, and generators to the secret safe houses where the children are being kept. They also provide psychological counseling and run a recovery retreat in Poland for Ukrainian children who need a break and counseling due to the war.