A MALVERN travel agents has booked a stay in Kyiv without attending to make a donation to help out a local business person there.
Lee and Hilary Harrison from Malvern World Travel booked the apartment they cannot use for this coming weekend.
Lee said: “We came up with the idea as just a small way of getting a little money straight to someone who will be in great need of the income our rental will bring.”
The pair picked the nearest dates and a random apartment not managed by a company.
The flat they booked was an Airbnb and they checked out the host’s profile picture, when they joined the scheme and their reviews.
Lee added: “It’s the most you can do to ensure it goes to an individual.
“Airbnb may take a cut but we’re hoping it will waive the fee.
“We have also sent the owner a message of support and told them, in Ukrainian using Google Translate, that we won’t be coming.”
The message read: “To dear friends that we hold deeply in our hearts, and we hope you and your families stay safe.
“My wife and I are English Travel Agents, and we are booking your accommodation but will obviously not be arriving, just so that the revenue from our booking might help you in some very small way .
“With our sincerest best wishes for all who are Ukrainian nationalities.”
The person replied with a message: “Hello! We are sincerely grateful for your help and support, it inspires and gives strength to fight!
“We will win because the whole world is united! Health and peace!”
The pair are hoping other people will do similar things to support the Ukrainian people as it will ‘put money in their pockets straight away’.
