AirBnB Rentals become latest method of donating to Ukraine

DELMAR, Md.- People across the US are turning to Airbnb rentals from Ukrainian hosts as a way to donate and support those in the war-torn country.

“I’ve used Airbnb Before. I know they don’t take a very high percentage and the money goes to the host so it seemed like a streamlined way of getting the money and support to the people in Ukraine,” said Delmar Resident Kate Bubas who booked a room using the vacation rental service.

Kate Bubas of Delmar says she found out about the unique donation method from social media and began her online search to find the best place to give. She tells us she wanted to support people, not businesses or hotels and was extra careful when making the booking.

“When I looked at first there were a lot of hotels that came up but just take a look at the profile and it’s pretty easy to tell if it is a person or a company,” she said.

Bubas says when booked the room, AirBnB put her in contact with the host where she got to hear from them about the difference her donation is making.

“When I sent the booking request, I immediately sent a message saying I had no intention of traveling there, ‘I am just trying to get aid to you and I found your listing and I hope this can be helpful and he responded and was very grateful and overwhelmed with the support from the world and that it meant a lot to him,” she said.

Bubas tells us her host let her know that she would always be welcome in their home and their country “After they got through this moment and rebuilt,” she said.

In the meantime, Bubas says she is hoping to spread the word about this method and hopes more people can make a similar donation.

“I’m staying in Keiv on the 19th and really looking forward to it,” she said.