by Alex Gurnon, Greencastle Middle School
When I think of philanthropy, I imagine someone kind and generous giving to those in need. Many people believe philanthropy has to involve money, however, philanthropy can involve donating your time or just being someone’s friend through hard times. I know many philanthropists that affect the lives of people in need, but the philanthropist I admire the most is my aunt, Kinga.
On February 24, 2022, Ukraine was invaded by Russia. Many people were killed, and families lost their homes. Many Ukrainians fled to Poland, but left their belongings behind. Kinga was born in Poland, and she lived there until she moved to the U.S. at age 9. She is the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, who were sent to concentration camps after Germany invaded Poland during World War II. Her family’s history of suffering gave her the passion and motivation to help the Ukrainians during their time of need.
Kinga decided she would start a charity and bring awareness to the people of Ukraine. She posted her idea on Facebook to spread the word to friends and family that she wanted to support the families of Ukraine as they were arriving in Poland. So many people started to donate money, clothes, and supplies, Kinga filed the paperwork to begin an official charity. She also wanted to keep the shipping costs low and she was able to find a company that agreed to support her efforts and ship all the donations for free. This company was called the Water Foundation. Many of Kinga’s friends donated and some actually went to Poland to help the people at the refugee shelters. One of her friends, Mike, U.S. Army veteran, volunteered his time to travel to Poland and help transport people from the refugee shelters for six months.
Kinga explained that, “philanthropy doesn’t require much money, you just have to donate your time and love to people.” She believes that the process of philanthropy is “giving others the love and support they need.” Kinga benefited from this experience, and gained joy from helping others when the little kids at the refugee shelters would send thank-you cards for her selfless act. The governor of the State of South Carolina surprised her with an honor and ceremony for starting this charity. He granted Kinga with the “Order of the Silver Crescent” award. This distinguished award recognized her dedication, commitment, and leadership for the benefit of others. Kinga also shared she is grateful to have made many new Polish and Ukrainian friends in America as a result of starting this organization.
In conclusion, philanthropy does not have to involve large amounts of donations of money. You only need a group of people filled with determination to improve the efficiency and kindness of our world. I think Kinga is a perfect example of a successful philanthropist that used teamwork, connections and persistence to make a real difference in the lives of those in their critical time of need.