A MALVERN travel agents booked a stay at a Kyiv apartment at the weekend so their donation would financially benefit a Ukrainian unable to earn any money because of the conflict.
Lee and Hilary Harrison from Malvern World Travel reserved and paid for the Airbnb in the Ukraine capital.
Lee said: “We came up with the idea as just a small way of getting a little money straight to someone who will be in great need of the income our rental will bring.”
The pair picked the nearest dates and a random apartment not managed by a company.
They checked out the host’s Airbnb profile picture, when they joined the scheme and the reviews they had been left.
Lee added: “It’s the most you can do to ensure it goes to an individual.
“Airbnb may take a cut but we’re hoping it will waive the fee.”
Lee and Hilary also used Google Translate to send the owner a message of support and to explain they would not be coming.
The message read: “To dear friends that we hold deeply in our hearts, and we hope you and your families stay safe.
“My wife and I are English Travel Agents, and we are booking your accommodation but will obviously not be arriving, just so that the revenue from our booking might help you in some very small way.
“With our sincerest best wishes for all who are Ukrainian nationalities.”
The person replied with a message: “Hello! We are sincerely grateful for your help and support, it inspires and gives strength to fight!
We will win because the whole world is united! Health and peace!”
The pair said they were hoping other people will do similar things to support the Ukrainian people as it would ‘put money in their pockets straight away’.
