Most people wouldn't pay to book an Airbnb stay with absolutely no intention of using the reservation.
But that's exactly what thousands of people are doing as part of a grassroots effort to help Ukrainians while their country remains under attack from Russia.
People across the globe are using Airbnb as an immediate way to send money directly to those impacted by the ongoing invasion.
The call for guests to book Airbnb listings in Ukraine started online, with organizers calling on donors to book rooms as soon as possible to ensure hosts receive fees quickly, CNN reported. Hosts are paid 24 hours after a guest checks in, according to the company.
An Airbnb spokesperson told The Washington Post that in 48 hours, more than 61,000 nights were booked in Ukraine from people around the world -- a total booking value near $2 million. More than 34,000 nights were booked by U.S. guests, more than 8,000 nights were booked by U.K. guests and nearly 3,000 nights booked by Canadian guests, according to CBS News. So many reservations have been placed, that many Ukraine listings are already booked solid into the summer, Forbes noted.
Cass Kachel, from Pennsylvania, is among those who booked a one-night stay Ukraine, in a home that is renting out single bedrooms for $60 a night.
"The regular people, they're the ones who are hurting the most, they're the ones who pay the highest price and they're the ones who are suffering," Kachel told The Post. "I felt like it was important for me to do something."
One Airbnb host in Kyiv told NPR she can't believe the kindness of strangers.
"These days we do not have any income," said Ekaterina Martiusheva, adding: "It's not just money, it's the support and encouragement. We get these notes of people who are calling us brave, and it does feel great."
Airbnb is temporarily waiving all host and guests fees on bookings in Ukraine. The company is also providing free temporary housing to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram