If you’re an estate agent, you may be wondering how you can help people in Ukraine after the recent events that have been dominating the news headlines of late. There are several ways you can get involved and donate your time and money to help those who need it most right now. Here are five suggestions of things that estate agents can do to help people in Ukraine today.
1) Collect Goods
Always found at the heart of their local communities, estate agents have a unique opportunity to collect goods for Ukrainian refugees. Ukraine's finances and supply chain has been devastated by war with Russia. As a result, a huge number Ukrainians have been displaced, forced to flee their homes as refugees. UK based estate agents can collect pots, pans, ladles, cutlery, serving utensils, peelers, plates can openers, tinned foods, long life protein, batteries, dry shampoo, deodorant, torches, bandages, plasters, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sanitary towels and other items for children and adults who have fled their home country.The utensils should be brand new, wherever possible. If you’re an estate agent then reach out to your community today and use your offices as local drop-off points.
2) Raise Money
Other than senseless loss of human life, one of the biggest tragedies of war is the economic devastation that inevitably follows. The people displaced by war are often left without access to bank accounts, their salaries, assets and homes are all left behind with no guarantee of whether they will ever see them again. The best way of helping these people is by donations made to reputable charities who will ensure the funds reach those that need them most. If you’re an estate agent, you may have clients who would like to raise money for those in need. There are many ways to do so: raffles, charity events or auctions among them. You can also donate profits from your sales or lettings to a charity – every penny will count, going to individuals and families most in need. The link to donate to the Property United for Ukraine campaign is https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/PropertyUnitedForUkraine
3) Organise Fundraisers
As an estate agent you’re already well connected to your local community, and as such it makes sense to use these networks to raise money for charity. Organising fundraisers is a great way to do that. Whether that’s a simple coffee morning or a fancy dress ball, you’ll be able to put on an event which will raise funds for those in need. The Agents Giving grant fund exists to help towards the set up costs of agent’s fundraising events, therefore maximising fundraising so more of the money you raise goes directly to your chosen charity.
4) Help New Refugees
More than 2 million refugees have fled Ukraine and there are now many displaced people in need of a new home. Many of them have no money or connections and are desperate for a better life. There are efforts being made to try and bring about the sort of changes that would allow the UK to absorb more refugees who will be in need of accommodation. As representatives of the property industry it behoves us all to use our member organisations such as Propertymark or The Guild of Property Professionals to prepare ourselves for the logistics of housing these families. This will require patience, flexibility and forbearance from our estate agency businesses and our clients. Together, we can find innovative solutions to temporarily adapt the existing property industry structures to help meet these acute needs. Get behind your member organisations to lobby and work with politicians and government to encourage urgent legislative changes that will allow the property industry to best respond to this crisis.
5) Stay informed and only spread correct information
Given the current situation, it’s especially important that your sources of information come from reputable outlets. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the news cycle and then spread incorrect information. To avoid accidentally sending out a misguided message, do your best to keep on top of the news from reputable sources. A key part of the challenge that Ukraine faces is counteracting the dissemination of false news reports designed to dilute public outrage about the plight of Ukrainians. You can also play your part by using social media to bring pressure to bear on politicians and organisations the world over to lend their assistance as much as possible.
