Former Benoni resident, photojournalist, businesswoman and globe trotter Chantelle Flores, has in the past four weeks become an active role player in facilitating aid relief for Ukrainians fleeing to Poland and other neighbouring countries.

Having recently been granted ambassadorship by the Ukrainian Embassy for her efforts, she now has global support to not only assist with placing displaced nationals but to rally for much-needed supplies.

The owner of Kzara Visual Concepts, based in Switzerland, said she is operating through her long-standing project, Holding onto Humanity, which she founded as a community leader for Rotary International.

“Having travelled and worked in 71 countries across the globe, I was able to establish a strong support network with tourism partners that enabled us to become proactive as the first missile was fired,” she said

“The industry has joined in solidarity, with platforms making empty properties available to us for the placement of refugees,” said Flores.

Through the mobilisation of these networks, the organisation with the support of Host a Sister and Girls Love Travel programmes, placed 7 000 fleeing women and children safely with participants within the first 24-hours.

The organisation has further set up a refugee guidebook that is currently being electronically distributed and updated to guide people to safe passage making use of transparent, verified and truthful information.

“We have been able to reach over 3.5 million people,” she said.

The organisation is now turning its attention to assisting Ukrainians with on-the-ground supply support, as men are enlisting as soldiers under the country’s martial law.

“We are inundated with calls from civilians, who have overnight become soldiers. They do not have access to the resources needed to protect themselves or their country,” she said.

“The situation is dire and I do not think people realise the plight of those involved. Speaking to nationals who have had to abandon their lives in an attempt to reach safety is heart breaking, but I believe that by continued efforts and global support we are able to add some hope.”

For more information about how you could get involved WhatsApp the 24-hour helpline on +44 788 366 3670.