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Thestar shares one lesson about being of service she wants everyone to know.
When Russian troops invaded Ukraine on Feb. 24,Bethenny Frankelfelt helpless.
Its truly defeating, she tweeted to her1.5 million followersthat morning.
The Internet has been flooded with international onlookers eager to findways to help, with Frankel among them.
But theformerReal Housewives of New Yorkstar had a head start.
Listen, most people care about fashion week and their eyelashes, she tells Bustle.
But there is a select group of people that really do care.
Can you tell me about how BStrongs efforts have adapted to the evolving situation in Ukraine?
Some people want to stay locally [at the border with Poland], which requires anAirbnb-punch in solution.
We found out that in addition, food and medical supplies wererunning low in Ukraine.
So aid needs to be there.
Now, its a two-pronged mandate: refugees out and aid in.
The first $2 million will be used for relocation.
We get their information [and ask], Where do you want to go?
That wont just be at the border.
We have to go through the country and see where people within Ukraine need that aid.
Once you get aid into a country, it needs to be safely distributed.
You cant just drop it off it could be stolen or wasted.
Is there anything that people without the financial resources to donate can do?
Its the people spreading the word that have made this such a big deal.
If you cant spend $50 or $10, even $5 makes a difference.
There are so many different ways to help.
If we had to weed through clothes from individuals at a school, that gives us more work.
If youre going to donate somewhere, go look at thepercentage that actually goes to the effort.
How are you talking to your daughter, Bryn, whos 11, about the conflict?
She said, Its so nice, Mommy, that youre helping people.
I show her videos so she can see whats going on.
One of the first things you said online about the war was thatyou felt so helpless.
Do you have any advice for someone who feels the same way, who doesnt have your same platform?
Everybody I know is feeling helpless.
A lot of people feel helpless because this ones hitting home more than they imagined it would.
Listen, most people care about fashion week and their eyelashes.
But there is a select group of people that really do care.
Just by being a communicator, it’s possible for you to start to help.
The way I am now, I would have figured out how to get in on Day One.
I was young and I didnt understand that asking how to help applied to me.
I didnt understand how accessible people are if you want to help.
you might be of assistance.
you’re free to donate to BStronghere.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
