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A heartwarming way to support the people of Ukraine
At a time when Ukrainians are fearfully fleeing their home from the danger of Russia’s invasion, people from all over the world have found a unique way to help Ukrainians in need of financial assistance.
Supporters of the Ukrainian people have been booking empty Airbnb rentals—with no intention of staying—as a direct way to help individuals in Ukraine. By doing so, they know the money will go straight to the hosts, whose lives have been turned upside down. This genius idea quickly gained popularity thanks to an enterprising Twitter user.
Yesterday I shared an idea to support Ukraine by booking rooms for rent on AirBNB. 24 hours later, 100’s of people are booking AirBnBs in Ukraine as a way to send immediate monetary assistance to people in hard-hit areas. The messages in response from the hosts are so moving pic.twitter.com/ai2Je8VKCt
— IG: @quentin.quarantino (@quentquarantino) March 3, 2022
The user shared screenshots of messages from Ukrainian Airbnb hosts, expressing their gratitude. CEO of Airbnb Brian Chesky revealed that more than 61,000 nights were booked from people worldwide between March 2nd and 3rd. The booking value was nearly two million dollars, all directed into the hands of Ukrainians in need. To encourage others to join the movement so quickly was the official announcement from Airbnb making it clear that they wouldn’t be taking their share of any bookings in Ukraine: “We are waiving all guest and Host fees on all bookings in Ukraine at this time.”
In 48 hours, 61,406 nights have been booked in Ukraine. That’s $1.9M going to Hosts in need
Such a cool idea from our community. Thank you https://t.co/MEitgKB5Eo
— Brian Chesky ???????? (@bchesky) March 4, 2022
People have also been posting heartfelt response messages from Ukrainian Airbnb hosts across Twitter. Some hosts were even shocked by the generous people willing to book their accommodations without actually staying. Airbnb is encouraging hosts on their platform to donate their homes as housing for refugees. More than 357,000 people have visited the site to donate or become a host for refugees, according to Airbnb, noting the response to the effort has been “overwhelming.”
