People & Culture

Lineage's Response to the Ukraine Crisis

An article by Greg Lehmkuhl, President & CEO

March 18, 2022

Team:

Over the last few weeks, we have watched the devastating events in Ukraine unfold. Russia’s unprovoked invasion has left millions of innocent Ukrainians suddenly and violently uprooted from their lives and homes – and the resulting humanitarian crisis is both difficult to process and heartbreaking to witness.

Although Lineage does not have operations in either Ukraine or Russia, the impacts of this conflict have affected our team in Europe and around the world.

Lineage team members of Ukrainian descent have gone on leave from our facilities in Poland and elsewhere to return to Ukraine to defend their homes, communities and families. Team members in Poland and across Europe have also met the moment to support the more than two million (and counting) refugees seeking shelter among Ukraine’s neighboring countries. I am absolutely humbled and proud of the selflessness, bravery and compassion of this team.

Further, in our modern, interconnected world, many more of us have family members, friends, colleagues and business partners who are directly impacted by what is happening – and all of us are watching the tragic, senseless attacks on an undeserving country while its citizens persevere with a strength and determination few of us can understand.

Unequivocally, Lineage stands with the people of Ukraine and are committed to providing support in every way possible.

Accordingly, I’ve called on Lineage’s global family to step into this moment of crisis and channel our company’s unwavering commitment to doing what’s right – no matter the circumstances. Here’s how we’re offering immediate support:

  • The Lineage Foundation for Good is donating $50K in immediate direct aid to two (vetted) on-the-ground relief organizations in the region – the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) and the Global Foodbanking Network (with its European Federation of Food Banks affiliate that supports food banks in Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Moldova, Slovakia and Romania servicing those impacted by the conflict).
  • Further, the Lineage Foundation for Good, in partnership with a donation from Adam & Evelyne Forste, is matching all donations made by our team members, vendors and customers over the next two weeks dollar for dollar up to a total of $100K. If the Lineage community donates $100K to these two organizations, the match means we will be providing $250K in total to the cause.
  • Lastly, the Lineage Foundation for Good is preparing materials and support structures to allow our European HR partners and leaders in Poland and elsewhere to support our team members facing financial and personal hardships due to the conflict.

I would also like to recognize the Servant Leadership demonstrated by many of our team members and sites that have started food, medical and hygiene supply drives of their own to help those affected by the crisis. Amazing job, One Lineage team.

To our team members in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, please know that your Lineage family is here for you, supports you and will stand with you in the days ahead.

Regardless of what comes next, I know our team will meet the coming challenges with the same tenacity and heart we have met the challenges in our rearview. For now, we remain acutely focused on doing what we can, doing what’s right and living our values for the good of the people of Ukraine.

Stay safe and all the best,

Greg