CHARLOTTE — Two volunteers flew out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport Wednesday to help humanitarian efforts in eastern Europe.
Leaders said more than 2.1 million people have left the Ukraine to seek safety since Russian invaded.
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Julio and Stephanie Gaviria departed at about 7 p.m. and will arrive at their destination when they land.
“I think it’s about a 14-hour trip total, including a layover,” Stephanie Gaviria said.
The Gaviria’s are going to an undisclosed location to assist the flood of refugees that are leaving war-torn Ukraine.
“We’re both feeling anxious but excited at the same time,” Julio Gaviria said. “We’re excited to go and help everyone that is in need.”
The couple will be working with the Humanitarian Aid and Rescue Project.
Their location is being kept secret for security reasons.
“We talked to our team,” Stephanie Gaviria said. “They definitely have things in place to keep us safe, and so were relying on our team.”
The couple said they were motivated to help because of the suffering, destruction and death happening in the country.
“Everyone has certain things that tug at their heartstrings differently, and so I just pray that God gives us the strength to face those situations and to remain strong keep our emotions in check,” Stephanie Gaviria said.
The Gavirias have been married since 2019.
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They started to work for StarMed during the pandemic and developed the logistical skills that they will be using on their new mission. The Gavirias described the reaction from family members after telling them about the trip overseas.
“Definitely a little bit of shock at first,” Stephanie Gaviria said. “A lot of concern, but as we gave more details and as time has passed, that shock has turned into pride.”
“We’re in a position where we have the ability to go and do something, so I think that’s what’s giving us the courage,” Julio Gaviria said.
Stephanie Gaviria added, “Let’s do this.”
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StarMed CEO Michael Estramonte paid for the Gavirias’ airfare and said he would do the same for other employees if they want to travel to eastern Europe during the crisis.
(Watch the video below: Russia attacks Ukraine: What you need to know)
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