KEEN x Everyday Refugees Foundation: Together for Ukrainian refugees

Over 7 months ago, millions of Ukrainians fled their country with the few belongings they could carry on their backs. They escaped Russia’s invasion by taking refuge in neighboring countries, like Romania, which helped 1.5 million refugees (mostly women and children) with shelter and resources.

Today, 86,000 refugees remain, trying to cope with an unimaginable and uncertain situation. “They are stuck,” says Rosanna Wijngaards, co-founder of Everyday Refugees Foundation, a nonprofit partner that helps people displaced by war, poverty, discrimination, and natural disasters. “At the same time, the humanitarian crisis has left the news cycle and aid is running low.”

It’s under these conditions when Everyday Refugees Foundation tends to jump in and make an impact. “When people start forgetting that there are many people in need, we can step in and really make a difference,” Rosanna says.

It’s a step we want to take together — and make bigger. Which is why we’ve created a hand-painted version of our Shanti slip-on clog with the colors of the Ukraine flag. 100% of profits will go to Everyday Refugees so they can help Ukrainian refugees in Romania.

Join us and donate directly to everydayrefugees.org

A child from Ukraine in a temporary shelter in Romania at the start of the war. We donated over 600 pairs of shoes to women and children fleeing Ukraine in March 2022.

Everyday Refugees will use the funds collected to focus their efforts on turning a school dorm into a more comfortable shelter for 300 refugees in the capital of Bucharest. Winter is coming, and the items requested most include hot water kettles and heaters, in addition to basic hygiene products.

Ukrainian children are attending schools in Romania, and — since kids’ feet grow super fast — we want to make sure they have comfortable, protective shoes that fit well. So we’re also donating 500 pairs of kids’ shoes and boots, from waterproof Hikeport boots to cosy Howser shoes.

Can shoes change lives? No, but they can make lives better, and that’s what gets us out of bed every morning. Together we can do more. Donate here to help.

KEEN has been partnering with the Everyday Refugees Foundation since 2017. Based in the Netherlands, Everyday Refugees aims to document, educate, help, and empower refugees, local communities, and internally displaced people by war, poverty, discrimination, and natural disasters.