Panda Bridge Builders Society

Panda Bridge Builders Society was created to bring people together across cultures, generations and social divides. The principal (Malcolm, Mishko or Misha) has been actively involved in these efforts for decades. Travel, work and life experiences world-wide have expanded global contacts and presented many worthwhile opportunities. To inform and facilitate others who may wish to be part of opportunities becoming reality is a big part of the Panda Bridge Builders Society story. Pandas are loved by most people. They are a picture of people together--white, black and Asian. Bridges make what seemed impossible or impractical previously to reach possible for those who will cross over. Builders make the vision a reality, often with much effort needed. Society is all of these and those who join.

Individuals, organisations and efforts linked to this site are consistent with the overall Panda Bridge vision. Each is overseen and staffed by those we know well, communicate with often (In person and virtually) and can recommend without reservation. Some are faith-based; others are not. Some may seek financial and/or material support. Others welcome volunteers to assist with projects one-time or ongoing. All are Panda friendly (white, black and Asian). You can make a huge difference in the world---more than you may think! Recent events have made this even more so.

Ukraine has been under attack by Russia in an unprovoked and unjustified war since 2014! If began with the invasion and occupation of Crimea and the Donbas (Donets & Luhansk Oblasts) of Ukraine. Millions of Ukrainians had to flee, usually with little or no notice to other areas of Ukraine. This was very hard. Many cultural differences were manifest although all were Ukrainian. These were IDPs (Internal Displaced Persons). Between April 2014 and February 2022, the numbers grew to over two million. IDPs left their homes, possessions, jobs, and known lives behind. Most had a very difficult life in their new areas. They were not always welcomed or trusted--largely because they spoke Russian as their primary language and divisions fostered historically by country leaders. Russian war on Ukraine resulted in over 14.000 Ukrainian deaths in that eight year period. However, Ukraine continued to move closer to European integration and democracy--despite the efforts of Russia to prevent this. Then came February 2022 and a new horrible reality.

On 24 February 2022, the Russian military launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine beyond the areas (Donbas and Crimea) that Russia had invaded and occupied since 2014. Multiple attacks in northern, eastern and southern Ukraine were made simultaneously with tanks, aircraft, missiles, rockets without regard to non-combatants (civilians) or non-military targets. Vladimir Putin and his Russian military "experts" proved that they did not know anything about Ukraine or Ukrainians. Despite having significant advantages in numbers of troops and materiel, the Russian military failed miserably to achieve and hold objectives, especially on the ground. Ukrainians in the areas attacked began to flee westward. They left with usually only what could be carried or worn to an uncertain destination, an uncertain life and uncertain if they would ever be able to return home. Husbands, fathers, sons, brothers and nephews said farewell to wives, children and other family and friends as they had to remain in Ukraine if under 60 for homeland defence. As the world learned and saw more daily, individuals, nations and organisations joined together to help Ukraine. Over 10 million Ukrainians became displaced--almost half of that number going to over 30 nations in Europe and beyond. It was the biggest movement of people since the end of World War II.

The Russian inability to obtain military objectives (Kyiv, Mariupol, Kharkiv, Irpen, Bucha, Sumy and more) resulted in wholesale targeting and of civilians and non-military targets. Cities were constantly attacked with rockets, bombs, missiles and long-range artillery. Many have been totally destroyed of buildings and infrastructure. Civilians were routinely detained, kidnapped, beaten and executed for no reason. Schools, clinics were destroyed--often even those clearly identified as non-military and with children or other non-combatants. Russian military is guilty of war crimes under direction of Putin via their local commanders. There will be much to document for prosecution of war crimes.

There are a number of worthy bridge building opportunities (with MANY more to come). This will make their efforts known to a much wider audience than at present. Panda Bridge Builders Society will link to opportunities to help them raise funds, volunteers and/or awareness. All are based on personal relationships and from efforts that we have, and continue to witness first-hand. There are faith-based and secular opportunities. More information on any or all is gladly provided. Contacts in opportunities will gladly communicate to keep all updated. Sending/receiving donations of funds or materiel securely, timely and directly is possible. It does not matter where you are reading this from in the world. Stay tuned as opportunities will be constantly added. Thank you!

• Hebron Academy--Ukraine has many young people who "age out" from social orphan status. Their futures are not bright without additional skills for work and life. Hebron Academy provides this skills for young men: especially IT and English language (both in high demand in Ukraine), making well paying careers available to them. They also learn how to live productive lives and to help others by giving back to society overall and in particular to those who follow them at Hebron Academy.

• Grapevine Church--(Providing assistance to refugees who have left all known to face an uncertain future from the russian war on Ukraine). Many opportunities  (English language lessons, youth activities, women's & men's groups, cooking classes, tutoring, camps, retreats, community service, also support for leader and family    
• https://cvl.in.ua/?fbclid=IwAR3hV7tknJiQKhV1nF0lUGt41zqNzJMmj0WIjIz-eiw-AQMBrkfG1L5QfuA
• Disciples Church--(Also aiding refugees from all of Ukraine. Members are from areas that Russia invaded in 2014 giving them unique perspective of needs). A vibrant church of individuals who have overcome much.  Their testimony and witness is strong and inspiring. Love, joy, peace and hope are freely shared in outreach also.
• https://www.facebook.com/churchofdisciples

• Nova Nadiya (New Hope) Church --(Providing support and assistance to refugees who have made it to the border city with Slovakia & Hungary).  This dynamic, growing church has a heart to bring people together, help meet social needs, provide love, joy, peace and hope. There are very strong and active youth, children's and arts ministries plus home groups that impact Uzhhorod and areas far beyond. Several initiatives include efforts to rehab and inspire men with  confidence and life skills, -cross-cultural outreach, college international student ministry, girls and women's groups
• https://www.facebook.com/newhopeuzhgorod/

• Millions of Refugees--  the unjustified, illegal war waged by Russia against Ukraine since 2014 (and greatly stepped up in February 2022) has resulted in over 10 million Ukrainians forced to leave everything they have and know in an instant to face an uncertain future. Over 4 million have left Ukraine (April 2022).Most refugees went west to Lviv or Uzhhorod  before crossing the border to other lands. Assistance is from individuals, organisations and nations world-wide. Panda Bridge Society is pleased to provide information for others to join in these efforts. 
•   Lviv, Uzhhorod & Ivano-Frankivsk
• https://www.facebook.com/ngouyg