Rafè Totengco is a Filipino Asian American fashion designer known for his luxury handbags and leather goods. His designs are sold at Neiman Marcus, Aerin, and other specialty stores in the USA. Rafè Totengco bags are primarily produced in the Philippines, inspired by the designer’s childhood memories of white sand beaches, seashells, tropical plants, and exotic fruits. These visual memories influence and reinforce the optimistic vibe of his brand.

Since the start of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Rafè has used his social media channels to raise awareness about the war and has encouraged others to help by donating to vital organizations that are on the ground helping Ukrainians in need.

Now, Rafè is taking his support one step further by pledging to donate all proceeds from the sales on his site to organizations providing aid to Ukraine, through March 13, 2022.

I asked Rafè why supporting Ukraine is personally so important to him and he responded with a quote by Abhijit Naskar, “Helping those in need is not charity, it’s humanity.”

“I’ve been horrified and heartbroken by [the] Russian invasion of Ukraine. It’s unfathomable that this is really happening and yet it is. It’s impossible to just sit and watch the devastation that is transpiring. We are all in this together,” Rafè continued.

Rafè is donating all proceeds from www.rafe.com through March 13, 2022 to the following organizations:

Sunflower of Peace | Sunflower of Peace is a Boston-based 501(c)(3) non-profit with the current mission to support the people of Ukraine affected by the Russian military invasion. They are providing medical and humanitarian aid that will be used by paramedics and doctors in the areas that are affected by the violence in Ukraine. The organization is also acquiring and distributing first-aid backpacks, medicine, medical instruments, and other means of survival.

UNICEF Ukraine | UNICEF is supporting health, nutrition, HIV prevention, education, access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and protection for Ukrainian families as the number of child refugees now exceeds the 1 million mark (data as of 3/10/22).

World Central Kitchen | WCK is serving thousands of fresh meals to Ukrainian families fleeing home as well as those who remain in the country.