Protect Volunteer | Get a Volunteer Connected

In 2024 Protect a Volunteer launched two programs designed to support the need for technology in Ukraine. We connect military units with sponsors to cover the cost of Starlinks and also distributed donated tech supplies. Here is more information on both programs:

STARLINK SPONSORSHIP

Almost every military unit in Ukraine has a Starlink to keep them connected online, but a Starlink can only work if the unit can cover the monthly fees to keep it working. This is where we step in! We match units with sponsors to cover the montly costs (usually around $100). In 2024 we matched 25 Ukrainian units with sponsors to cover Starlink costs. This is an overlooked need and we are currently the only program addressing this issue.

SPONSOR A STARLINK

It is okay if you cannot afford the full $100 per month. We will group 2 or 3 donors together. You will be matched in a Signal chat with a volunteer from the team you are supporting. A PAV volunteer will be in the chat to assist with English-Ukrainian translation if necessary. The unit will follow up with receipts for the Starlink sponsorship and information on how to transfer to them.

“My Ukrainian sponsee is a bit shy and very busy; and we use a translator app such as Google Lens in order to overcome the language barrier. Despite this, we have struck up a friendly rapport. Protect A Volunteer (PAV) thoroughly verifies all sponsees, whether foreign volunteer or Ukrainian; and assists them with the logistics of setting up a payment account that we can both use as not all countries allow access to Ukrainian payment portals such as Monobank.My sponsee is a very humble individual and never asks for more than what I have pledged, even though their unit, like many others, constantly struggles to replace destroyed equipment. They have also forwarded receipts for each Starlink subscription payment. While there are many other organisations that raise funds to purchase items for soldiers, sponsoring a Ukrainian soldier through PAV also allows you to offer personal support and solidarity, and it helps their morale knowing that someone on the other side of the world cares about them.”

—from an anonymous donor

Distribution of donated technology

There is a massive need for technological supplies in Ukraine. Drone pilots and navigators all need laptops to program their drones. Drone training programs need laptops or computers to train drone pilots. Instructors for medical courses or EOD training all need laptops or tablets. All volunteers need Android phones, many of which get damaged or destroyed and need replacing. And finally, soldiers in hospitals and rehab centers can benefit from gaming systems which both give them a way to occupy their time during recovery and also assist in rehabilitation. Do you have a spare laptop, tablet, Android phone, or gaming system? If so Ukraine can use them! Volunteers in Ukraine have a constant need for new technology. In 2024 we distributed over 40 donated laptops, 8 iPad minis, and 8 gaming systems (Xbox, Playstation, Nintendo, etc). Here is how the program works:

If you have tech equipment to donate, reach out to moc.reetnulovatcetorp%40hcet to arrange your donation. We have a collection point in the USA and a volunteer who can refurbish laptops and phones if necessary. There are no minimum requirements for operating systems. We can accept electronics in a working condition that are able to connect to the internet.

If you cannot ship to the USA, we unfortunately cannot offer to refurbish electronics at this point but we can still accept working electronics. Reach out to the same e-mail address to coordinate how you can ship donated supplies straight to Ukraine. If you are in Europe, we can easily accept any donation through Nova Poshta shipment. Please simply ask for our Nova Poshta address.

After we receive your donations, we will distribute to military units, instructors and rehab centers or hospitals. Distribution will depend on current needs as well as which electronics are donated. Drone operators, for example, have specific requirements for laptops. In the worst case, if a phone or laptop can only do basic functions such as internet browsing, these will be distributed to volunteers coming from poorer countries in Latin America or Africa so that they can make calls to their families at home.

Donate Technology

GET A VOLUNTEER CONNECTED

STARLINK SPONSORSHIP

TESTIMONIALS

Distribution of donated technology

TESTIMONIALS