Ukraine war: New York Jets owners on donating $1m to help humanitarian efforts

Russia invaded Ukraine in February, and the humanitarian crisis will continue when the fighting stops. About 7.5 million refugees have fled Ukraine,, external with almost 1.4 million heading to Poland.

The Johnsons have spread their $1m donation over 10 months, with $100,000 donated each month to a different organisation which can direct the funds where they are needed most, as soon as possible.

Among the organisations they have helped is United24.

While watching Wimbledon, Suzanne’s eldest son Brick, 16, saw world number one Iga Swiatek announce a charity tennis event to be played in her native Poland when the Johnsons would be there.

The event, in Krakow, featured Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who is an ambassador for United24.

Brick chose that organisation for July’s donation. He and his brother Jack, 13, presented the cheque, with the funds to be directed to children’s hospitals in Ukraine.

“I spoke to kids my age who told me about how different life is living in an orphanage, the pain they went through crossing the border and being separated from their families,” said Brick.

“It doesn’t really matter where you live, all kids have so much in common. I spoke to a lot of them about sports and played soccer with them.

“When you see what’s going on first hand, you want to make a difference right away, even if it’s just putting smiles on kids’ faces.”