SWFL businesses step up to funds aid to Ukraine

Millions of Ukrainians are fleeing their homeland, which results in a mounting refugee crisis. Financial help is needed for the war-torn country’s people now more than ever. So, Southwest Florida businesses are stepping up.

Cape Coral is helping these refugees from half a world away. If you’re coming to drop off some clothes, they may be part of a bigger plan to help families in Ukraine.

Dan Puleio is the owner of Cape Cleaners, and he wants to make sure that every dollar his customer spend goes a long way. That’s why, for the remainder of March, Puleio is donating part of the revenue he gets to the International Rescue Committee to help Ukrainian families.

Puleio doesn’t have any ties to Ukraine, but he still felt called to help. “None, none. I’m just a world citizen. It’s just wrong,” he said.

Puleio is used to giving back to his community, and he says this time is no exception. Although, this time, he says he’s giving back to the world community. “Innocent people, innocent people are dying,” Puleio said.

Jeremy Bhimji is the owner of The Spot and says he knows what the violence is like. Heis family is from Uganda, and at one point, they had to leave the country. So when he heard about what Puleio was doing, he wanted to do the same.

“I think it’s fantastic the more you can do to give back to the community and the world. There’s more than being a business owner and making money. It’s obviously about making a difference in making an impact,” Bhimji said.

“It’s just a humanitarian aspect of it. We’re all watching this unfold on the news every night, and it’s awful, it’s horrible,” said Puleio.

Puleio says his goal is to collect $1,000 to donate to Ukraine. He also wants to push other businesses to join him.

To check if the charity you’re donating to is reputable, you can go to the Charity Navigator.