When the war in Ukraine broke out on 22nd February 2022, the team at Evolved Ideas was deeply affected. With the majority of our colleagues based in and around Kyiv in Ukraine, the news of the conflict hit home in a very personal way as we watched the terrible reports unfold on our screens here in the UK. The team were so deeply shocked and desperate to do something - anything - that would help our Ukrainian colleagues. And although, as a software development company, we’ve often gained strength from our global diversity with our team spread across various countries, the unfolding crisis in Ukraine was unlike any challenge we had faced before.
Our instant priority was the safety and well-being of our Ukrainian colleagues and their families. Our CEO, Colette Wyatt, immediately recognised the urgency of the situation and took action. Within days, we launched a GoFundMe campaign, "Help Our Evolve Team & Their Families in Ukraine," aimed at providing direct support to those affected by the conflict, with a target of £50,000. This initiative was more than just a fundraising effort; it was a statement of solidarity and a commitment to standing by our team members in their time of need.
The response to the campaign was overwhelming… Donations poured in from across our global network - employees, clients, partners, and even strangers dug deep and contributed to our cause. The funds raised were directed towards providing essential supplies, resettlement assistance, and any immediate needs the people caught in the conflict had. The money raised was to help ensure that those who wanted to leave Ukraine could do so safely, and those who chose to stay had the resources needed to navigate these difficult times.
But our support didn't end with financial aid, we knew that during such uncertain times, emotional and psychological support was equally important as we knew our colleagues needed to feel support and love. Evolved Ideas established regular check-ins wherever possible and we promoted www.shelter4ua.com and www.change.org encouraging people to rally for the Ukrainian people, and offer shelter if they had the means to.
Today, as the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, our commitment to our global team remains. We are incredibly proud of how our Evolved Ideas family came together during this crisis, demonstrating resilience, compassion, and a collective humanitarian spirit. We continue to monitor the situation closely and offer our unwavering support to our Ukrainian colleagues and their families.
At Evolved Ideas, we believe that a company is more than just a place of work - it's a community. Throughout these challenging times which have by far been the most testing for our business, we are reminded that our greatest strength lies in our people. We will continue to remain dedicated to standing by each other, no matter what challenges come our way.
For more details on how you can support our efforts, please visit our GoFundMe page https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-our-evolve-team-their-families-in-ukraine