Shield Of Freedom Status

Shield of Freedom (SOF) is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing direct aid to defenders, first responders and civilians in Ukraine that are helping support and defend the country in the face of Russia’s brutal war of aggression.  Our organization focuses on filling in gaps where government aid falls short, including by supplying vitally needed emergency medical supplies, surveillance drones that provide early warning of attacks, evacuation vehicles, firefighting equipment, personal protective gear, emergency generators, water purifiers, anti-drone shields, cold weather clothing, communications devices, and a variety of other gear.  Numerous times, Ukrainians receiving this aid have reported that it helped save lives and protect defenders, first responders, and civilians. 

Although we primarily focus on direct aid, SOF also engages in coordinating advocacy and awareness efforts at home to help educate the American public about the danger posed by Russian aggression.  We host numerous events each month in Southern California and coordinate with other organizations on nationwide events, including war film screenings, virtual reality tours of war zones in Ukraine, hosting Ukrainian war veterans, and memorial events.

Because we are an all-volunteer organization, nearly 100% of all donations go directly towards our mission of supporting Ukrainian defenders, first responders, and civilians affected by the war.  SOF’s board of directors is made up of dedicated volunteers with strong connections to volunteers, first responders, and members of the military in Ukraine (both Ukrainian and international volunteer soldiers) who regularly update us on the most pressing needs.  SOF board members also regularly travel to Ukraine to meet with volunteers that help us distribute aid, obtain feedback on pressing needs, and bring supplies.  We rely entirely on the generosity of the public, in the form of monetary and in-kind donations to support the requests we receive on a daily basis from those in need in Ukraine.

In February of 2022, the world changed. It was a moment that divided time into "before" and "after." The full-scale invasion of Ukraine by a neighboring country shocked us to our core. We were appalled and aghast at the brutal attack on peaceful people who yearned for nothing more than to live in freedom and dignity.

Yet, amid the darkness, we found inspiration in the unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people. Their resilience, their commitment to democratic values, human dignity, and the right to choose their own future moved us deeply. It was a stark reminder that the fight for these principles can be a harrowing journey, but one worth every ounce of effort.

We were not content to be mere spectators. Volunteering and supporting Ukraine's resistance 

against Russian aggression made us realize the vital role civil organizations play in times of crisis. They can deliver aid swiftly and precisely where it's needed most.

As Albert Einstein famously said, "The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." The Ukrainian people's brave struggle demonstrated that we cannot stand idly by when confronted with atrocities and crimes against humanity. 

Out of this realization, we founded Shield of Freedom.