Canadians coming together for Ukraine
On Thursday, February 24, 2022, the world watched as Russia began a military invasion of Ukraine, escalating a conflict that started in 2014. In the days and weeks that have passed, Canadians have watched in horror as Ukrainians fled their homes looking for safety from the Russian invasion. As the invasion continues and peoples are displaced throughout Ukraine, Canadians are banding together to help Ukraine and its citizens in any way possible.
Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and is working with Ukrainian government ministries to coordinate Canadian donations with the needs on the ground in Ukraine. The Appeal is delivering aid for food packages, medicine, and shelter to trusted local partners.
The need for humanitarian aid grows every day. So far, the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has delivered more than $2 million in aid across Ukraine and into countries where displaced Ukrainians are taking refuge, with a goal of $25 million. The Appeal committee works with the Ukrainian Canadian community and its partners in Ukraine to ensure aid efforts have a timely impact on Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis.
Opening the floodgates
Private citizens, businesses and various levels of government have all joined the effort to donate funds. The Government of Manitoba has pledged $150,000 to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, and the Manitoba Métis Federation donated $100,000 to the effort. Saskatchewan-based Rawlco Radio, working with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, UCC Saskatchewan Provincial Council and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), held a 12-hour Saskatchewan Day of Caring for Ukraine, raising $1,020,125 for humanitarian assistance to refugees and those in Ukraine. The Government of Alberta announced it would donate another $5 million to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal on top of its previously announced $1 million, along with plans to fast track immigration applications from Ukrainians to Alberta. “Canadians from coast to coast to coast are mobilizing in support of relief efforts for Ukraine. The kindness we have seen in the last weeks is both inspiring and overwhelming,” said Orest Sklierenko, president and CEO of CUF. “Canada is truly united in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.”
“I have been blessed to have a pretty rewarding medical career. I have worked with great people in Winnipeg. I have to say however that my participation in the surgical missions organized by CUF was by far the best thing that I have ever done.” – Dr. Adrian Hawaleshka
How you can help
Donating is easy, and the Appeal is keeping its administration costs low (just four to five per cent) to ensure the maximum amount of money and aid reaches the people who need it. A corporate donation is simple—just send a cheque to the national office: Canada-Ukraine Foundation, 620 Spadina Avenue, Ste 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4. Donations of securities or mutual funds are also being accepted.
“Helping the Appeal is easy,” says Liz Lukashenko, a Winnipeg-based Appeal volunteer. “Your donation ensures our programs and committees receive the funding they need to provide life-changing aid to Ukraine. You can reach out directly to us to learn how you and your organization can make a difference.”
For further information, email liz.lukashenko@cufoundation.ca or visit cufoundation.ca.
