Delaware County bartender Sam Whitaker was moved by the plight of a Ukrainian woman he had hired to design a website and now he’s initiated a fundraiser for refugees, reports Fox 29 News.

Vika was hired by Whitaker a week before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  

Days later, Vika and her 5-year-old daughter escaped to Italy to stay with relatives as Russian forces encroached on Ukraine.

Sam has kept in touch with Vika throughout the ordeal.

“You can see it on TV, you can see it in the news, but actually talking to someone, it’s really, really different,” Sam said.

Now Whitaker wants to help.

He’s asked his employer, Fearless Restaurants, to host “Cocktails with a Cause” at their eight area locations.

“Honestly it gets me mad you know. These people just want to live their lives, and they can’t, so doing something about it. I’ve always felt that if everybody does a little bit together we can do a lot.”

The event will be held Monday, March 28. Proceeds from special drink sales will go to two charities helping Ukrainian refugees.

Sam is also donating his tip money that day to Vika and her daughter.  

Read more at Fox 29 about how one bartender is trying to help Ukrainian refugees.