Augusta, Maine, Native Helping Refugees Escape Ukraine

Even though we have all seen the misery of the Ukrainian people, most of us have no real way to help them.

One man, who is originally from Augusta, has stepped up to help thousands of people escape the horrors of the Russia invasion.

According to WMTW, Brian Milakovsky is a graduate of Augusta's Cony High School and has been living in Ukraine for the last seven years. Last month, when things took a turn for the worst in the former Soviet republic, Milakovsky, his wife, and 5-month-old child escaped the country.

Now, safe in Croatia, but still seeing all of the tragedy in Ukraine, he knew he needed to do something.

Working with his father, back here in the United States, he set up a Paypal to collect funds that he would donate to those helping people escape Ukraine, the news station reported, and within a short amount of time, they had collected $50,000.

Additionally, one of Brian's high school friends found out what he was doing and set up her own GoFundMe, according to the news station.

WMTW reported that in total, over $70,000 has been raised so far.

As most of Ukraine's petroleum comes from Russia, and her ally Belarus, there is a serious shortage for those who are trying to escape the country, according to the news station.  Much of the money donated has gone to help those escaping get the needed fuel, WMTW added.

So far, thanks to the efforts of Brian and his donors, over 2,400 people have been able to escape to safety, according to WMTW.

You can help by making a donation to Brian's classmate Amanda's GoFundMe.  Donate HERE.