Following the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, Vancouver's own Ryan Reynolds is stepping up to help.
The actor and philanthropist announced on social media this weekend that he and wife Blake Lively will be matching donations made to the USA for United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
"In 48 hours, countless Ukrainians were forced to flee their homes to neighboring countries. They need protection. When you donate, we’ll match it up to $1,000,000, creating double the support," Reynolds writes.
The UNHCR's donation page explains that even before the most recent crisis, years of violence in Ukraine have forced more than two million children, women and men from their homes and left them struggling to survive.
"Nearly three million people in Ukraine will require humanitarian assistance this year. Those fleeing for their lives need immediate shelter, protection and safety," the page states. "Your compassionate support can help provide emergency supplies, lifesaving care and protection the moment Ukrainian families are forced to flee for their lives.
When you donate today, your compassionate gift will be matched by Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds — dollar for dollar."
Reynolds has a history of donating to local causes as well, the most recent example being when he supported Southern British Columbia was devastated by flooding in 2021.
