I am sure we are all aware of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the innocent lives it continues to impact. Not only are the Ukrainian citizens being displaced, killed, and endangered, but so are their animals and the wildlife that call Ukraine home.

Watching the events unfold on the news reminds me how important it is that we all do what we can to help. Personally, I cannot sit by and watch the reckless killing of people, devastation of a country, and endangerment of animals this war continues to cause. After doing some research, I decided to launch my largest Sweat to Protect fundraising and advocacy campaign yet for UAnimals; a Ukrainian non profit working on the frontlines to protect, provide medical care, shelter, and food to animals who are suffering in the war zone. UAnimals provides resources, transportation, and the communications necessary for those who remain on the ground protecting animals in shelters, zoos, and in their homes as the invasion continues.

Normally, UAnimals is one of Ukraine’s leading animal non profits assisting with humane education and the establishment of animal welfare related policies. All while assisting various shelters and rescues across the country with their own work. Now, they have adapted to become one of the leading humanitarian organizations fighting for the lives of domestic and wild animals caught up in the Ukraine war.

After reaching out to @Uanimals.official on Instagram, I was able to schedule an interview with their founder, Olga Chevganiuk, to learn more and get a first-hand take on the war. I have included a brief segment of the interview below, but you can watch the full interview on our YouTube page. In this interview, Alex Prange also joins us. Alex is one of the trainers at a participating gym in this particular Sweat to Protect initiative and has been integral in helping to spread awareness amongst the public and local business leaders.

After speaking with Chevganiuk, I connected with the owners of Training Mate in Los Angeles, No Limit Personal Training in Placentia, Cynthia Hill in Yorba Linda, and my @brittfit_live clients on Instagram. Together, we have all agreed to join forces and host Sweat to Protect: UAnimals bootcamps throughout the coming month. All funds generated will be donated to support the life-saving work of UAnimals. In addition, I was asked to have an interview with Elex Michaelson of Fox 11 News regarding the Sweat to Protect campaigns. The full story will air on Fox 11 tonight at 10:00pm PST and at various times throughout the week.

Some of the specific challenges Chevganiuk shared range from the dangers of transporting larger animals (like tigers and bears) during a war, dealing with the differences in animal care standards neighboring countries maintain, and trying to keep volunteers and staff alive each day. I cannot imagine what the UAnimals teams are experiencing as they rescue animals from the rubble, injured by shrapnel, or wandering and separated from their owners.

How can you help and get involved?

• Donate using the gofundme link: http://www.gofundme.com/sweattoprotectukraine and share with your friends and family.
• Watch the Fox 11 News segment this week to learn more.
• Attend one of the four Sweat to Protect bootcamps. All details are provided via the gofundme link, but below is a general outline of the events:

1. Sweat to Protect with No Limit Personal Training on April 2nd at their 6:45am, 8:00am, and 9:15am classes.
2. Sweat to Protect with Cynthia Hill Fitness on April 8th at 10:00am. The workout will take place at Brush Canyon Park in Yorba Linda.
3. Sweat to Protect with Training Mate in Santa Monica at 11:30am. There will be vendors, food, and snacks after the workout.
4. Sweat to Protect with @Brittfit_live on April 16th at 9:00am PST. You can join this workout from anywhere in the world via an Instagram live stream.