Tens of 1000's of Airbnb hosts from Canada and around the globe are providing up their properties without spending a dime to refugees fleeing violence in Ukraine.
Greater than 3 million individuals have escaped the war-torn nation as Russia aggressively advances additional into Ukraine. Many are headed for close by locations like Poland and Sweden, with some hoping to proceed on to nations like Canada.
With thousands and thousands of refugees now in search of a spot to remain, greater than 23,000 internationally situated Airbnb hosts – together with 700 in Canada – are providing their trip leases to these in want.
"What’s unfolding there's simply so heart-breaking," Christine Dovey, an Airbnb host with a scenic rental in Prince Edward Island, advised CTV Nationwide Information' Invoice Fortier. "And I believe individuals simply wish to do no matter they'll."
Dovey mentioned with Ukrainian refugees are anticipated to reach in Canada within the coming weeks, she's already receiving presents of assist from others.
"Folks reached out to me and mentioned, when you do find yourself getting individuals, please let me know and I'd like to contribute meals or provides or something they could want whereas they’re staying with you," Dovey mentioned.
Even these with out a spare residence or room to supply up are discovering methods to assist by Airbnb. Victoria Collins-Hood of Edmonton, Alta., booked a weekend keep at an Airbnb in Kyiv to be able to assist the Ukrainian proprietor get a little bit money. Each Airbnb and its competitor Vrbo have introduced that they're waiving all service charges for bookings in Ukraine, that means all the cash goes on to the hosts.
"Folks truly care about these individuals," Collins-Hood mentioned. "It’s so good to see the world come collectively."
In a Twitter submit final week, Airbnb CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky mentioned visitor bookings in Ukraine have generated about US$15 million in donations to hosts there, with 434,000 nights booked in Ukrainian trip leases.
The funds raised additionally embody greater than US$17 million in donations from Airbnb and its founders, greater than $4.5 million raised by greater than 50,000 particular person donors from 92 nations, and greater than $625,000 from Airbnb staff.
"It isn't one thing you see every single day," mentioned Matt McNama of Airbnb Canada. "I believe individuals actually wish to discover a approach to assist, and so they’re doing it."
With information from Michael Lee.
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