Sunset Coast Provisions pledges to donate March proceeds to Ukraine efforts

CASSOPOLIS, Mich. --- As the crisis continues abroad, here at home in Michiana one local business is pledging their part to help with humanitarian efforts.

“We’re operating a business in a free country where we have very pro-business, a very pro-business environment and so I believe it’s really our part to give you know considerable proceeds from our store towards you know a very important cause," said Peter Bobeck, Co-Founder Sunset Coast Provisions.

Peter Bobeck doesn’t take his life for granted.

With his wife, Alona Bobeck, originally from Ukraine – the co-founder of Sunset Coast wanted to use his business to help the refugees running from – or living in – a war zone.

Sunset Coast will donate 15% of its March sales and collect donations like non-perishables and clothes.

And this week the Bobeck’s are welcoming a sixteen-year-old refugee into their home.

“She’s the only child for her parents and both her parents are fighting against Russian army. That was their position they did not want to leave, and they asked me to take care of their girl until the war is over," said Alona.

Alona says the girl was afraid to leave Ukraine because she believes it might have been the last time she ever sees her parents.

The Bobek’s hope to help ease the teen’s anxiety once she arrives to the U.S.

"Be kindhearted and open minded and welcoming and be supportive of each other because you never know what is waiting for you tomorrow," said Alona.

An opportunity to help, the couple doesn’t take for granted.

“At first, I, I really couldn’t grasp the enormity of what was going on and the atrocities. I was a little bit numb and then by getting the communications that we got through Alona through her friends in Ukraine, family in Ukraine, it started to hit home with me," said Peter.

Sunset Coast is donating profits through March, but will continue collecting non-perishables for as long as Ukrainians are in need.