MISSOULA, Mont. — Vital Impacts, founded by Missoula resident Ami Vitale, is a women-led organization dedicated to protecting and preserving wildlife through photography.
Now, given the current humanitarian crisis, the nonprofit is working to draw attention to a fundraiser running on their website.
“Because of the events around the world that are creating so much senseless suffering, we felt compelled to spring to action quickly and create a new initiative to support people caught in conflict zones,” said Vitale.
The nonprofit is working with its colleagues from National Geographic to donate their iconic and award-winning work.
“100% of the profits will contribute to raising funds for Direct Relief, which is working directly with Ukraine’s Ministry of Health and other partners in the region to provide aid to people displaced or affected by the conflict,” said Vitale.
Vitale says photography is particularly effective at documenting crises and provides a lens into some parts of the world.
“We can all watch the horrors of the world from afar and feel so helpless, but this is a way to support humanitarian efforts and have a unique opportunity to purchase some of the most memorable fine art prints from the world's leading photographers,” said Vitale. “The hope is that this work will inspire everyone who sees it to work for a world of peace and compassion.”
The initiative runs through April 20.