Utah Jazz to donate 32,000 nights of housing to Ukrainian refugees


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SALT LAKE CITY — The lights weren't just a token gesture.

A week after Vivint Arena was lit up in Ukrainian blue and yellow, the Utah Jazz Foundation announced it will fund 32,000 nights of housing for Ukrainian refugees through a partnership with Airbnb.

"Connection and community have never been more important than it is today. Millions of people have been forced to leave behind their entire lives in Ukraine," Jazz owner Ryan Smith said in a press release.

Smith noted the donation is enough to fill every seat in Vivint Arena twice over. And there are plenty that need help. According to the UN Refugee Agency, over 2 million Ukrainians have left their home country in search of safety from the ongoing Russian invasion.

On Feb. 28, Airbnb said it will offer free, short-term housing to up to 100,000 refugees fleeing from Ukraine into Poland, Germany, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and other surrounding countries.

"This incredible commitment will play a meaningful role in helping us meet our goal of providing free, temporary housing to 100,000 refugees fleeing Ukraine – offering not only a roof over their heads, but also a safe place to gather and regroup," said Joe Gebbia, Airbnb co-founder and chairman of Airbnb.org.

Smith encouraged other businesses and organizations, as well as fans, to also help in the cause of aiding refugees, too.

Former Jazz owner Gail Miller, has spearheaded a community drive that has raised $2 million to aid humanitarian efforts for Ukrainians.

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