Book an Air BnB in Kiev?

[gratuitous]

I just had a friend post on Facebook a pass-along idea to help Ukrainians directly: Book an Air BnB there! (Just make sure the listing is not some soulless corporate offering, but an actual person.)

I don't know if this is a workable idea, since I don't do Air BnB, but it sounds genius if it works. Book the soonest available date, and you get money directly to a Ukrainian who can probably really use a few dollars right now. (No, you don't have to actually go to Ukraine; just book a stay and pay for it.)

[PJMcK]

1. This is a fascinating idea

I just looked it up and the available places are priced between $25-$120. I wonder if this actually would work.

[gratuitous]

2. Hopefully someone with experience can chime in

Because it's dead brilliant as far as I'm concerned.

[PJMcK]

3. I'd book a few nights to help (n/t)

[Celerity]

4. Ukraine Airbnbs receive bookings in effort to get money to residents

People are paying but not staying, as rental platform offers free housing to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees

https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/mar/03/ukraine-airbnbs-booked-in-effort-to-get-money-to-residents-pay-not-stay

Members of the public are paying for Airbnb rentals in Ukraine to help get money to residents who are facing extreme financial hardship because of the Russian invasion.

The home rental platform has already moved to offer free housing to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees, but members of the public have come up with a novel way to financially help those who either intend to remain or are trapped in the country owing to the conflict.

One couple who made a booking for 3-10 March in Kyiv, posted confirmation on Twitter and wrote: “Hello Maria, my wife and I have just booked your apartment for one week, but of course we will not be visiting. This is just so you can receive some money.”

Link to tweet

Another Twitter user said they had also booked a week’s stay, and encouraged others to share the idea. A third called on Airbnb to drop its fees, which typically range from 3% to 15%, so the Ukrainian hosts receive all the proceeds. An Airbnb spokesperson said it would be waiving fees in the country. “We appreciate the generosity of our community during this moment of crisis,” she said. “Airbnb is also waiving all guest and host fees on all bookings in Ukraine at this time.”

snip

[mcar]

5. That is brilliant!

[Tree Lady]

6. I had a friend post that and actually do it

She told them it was a gift, they were very thankful.

If I had the money I would do it.