Barbara Ward, a resident of Sterling Park Independent Living at The Osborn in Rye, leads the fundraising movement for Ukrainian relief efforts. (Photo courtesy of The Osborn)

With the war’s devastating effect on Ukraine’s people, it is nauseatingly difficult to sit back and be passive while their world literally blows up. 

That’s what the residents and staff members of The Osborn in Rye, NY, thought. So with the help of The Osborn Foundation, residents of the Sterling Park independent living community joined forces to raise more than $25,000 to assist with humanitarian relief efforts. 

All funds raised will be sent to CARE’s Ukraine Emergency Fund with the goal of providing immediate aid to those affected by the war –– with priority given to girls, women, families and the elderly. Supplies include food, water, hygiene kits and psychosocial support.

The community said that one Osborn resident in particular, Barbara Ward, deserves a shoutout of recognition for leading this fundraising effort.

“I didn’t want to just sit around after the invasion. I wanted to do something to help make a difference in the lives of those affected by this terrible war,” Ward said. “I want to thank the residents. I asked, and they responded and responded quickly. I am stunned by their generosity.”

Matthew G. Anderson, CEO and president of The Osborn, voiced his support for residents’ efforts in the Ukraine relief funds program. 

“This demonstrates our residents’ compassion for people across the global community,” Anderson said. “For more than 100 years, The Osborn has been a vital, active and progressive part of the Rye community and beyond. This donation represents our residents’ generosity and empathy.”

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