As winter approaches, the situation in Ukraine grows increasingly dire. With Russian forces deliberately targeting critical infrastructure, the people of Ukraine are facing not only the devastating effects of war but also the unrelenting cold, blackouts, and a lack of access to essential services. Donors like you are at the forefront of keeping Ukrainians connected to power this winter season. Take advantage of the chance to win prizes from Perogie Lili and Zirkova Vodka if you donate before December 27!
This winter, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation is on the front lines of the battle to restore power where it’s needed most. Through our campaign “Let’s Power Up Ukraine Together!”, we are committed to bringing energy solutions to Ukraine—especially vulnerable healthcare facilities, to ensure that hospitals remain operational even when power grids are destroyed. In Ukraine, hospitals are often the last hope for survival. With daily blackouts caused by Russian missile strikes, many hospitals are unable to perform life-saving surgeries or care for their patients. This is especially true for hospitals in cities like Mykolaiv and Kherson, where ongoing attacks have crippled vital energy systems. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to make a significant impact.
Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate who has been leading the effort to document Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine, faced complete blackouts at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. In her piece in The Hill, Matviichuk describes the brutal reality of winter for Ukrainians, which includes heavy unplowed snow, constant sub-zero temperatures, and a damaged power grid— eight power plants and more than 800 heat supply facilities have been purposely destroyed by Russia. Millions of Ukrainians will suffer from power cuts of up to 20 hours per day this winter.
“Ukrainians cannot survive winter without heat. Without electricity or gas, a mother has no way to warm the milk for her newborn baby. Without an internet connection, a family has no way of making sure elderly family members are okay. Without heat, people will not be able to make it through the night when the temperature falls below freezing.” – Oleksandra Matviichuk
This winter, Ukrainians are counting on you. Your support for our energy campaign can help us deliver solar-powered generators to hospitals in need—ensuring that they have the electricity required to perform surgeries, provide emergency care, and keep patients warm during freezing temperatures. Ukrainian households will be able to keep their homes warm, and their families fed this cold winter season. It is already December and Ukraine is only going to get colder and snowier. Ukrainians are relying on the generosity of people like you to survive. Every donation, big or small, helps bring power to hospitals and warmth to families facing the unthinkable.
We thank you for your ongoing support and ask you to continue standing with Ukraine in this critical time. Together, we can ensure that Ukraine’s healthcare system remains strong and resilient, no matter the odds.
Thank you for being a beacon of hope for those in need.
THINKING OF HOSTING FUNDRAISERS IN 2025?
We want to thank communities across Canada who have been organizing fundraisers this year to support the work of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Third-party fundraisers in 2024 have raised thousands of dollars, with each dollar making a huge impact on the health, safety, and mental well-being of Ukrainians in this devastating war. We thank every school, church, community and generous people for hosting countless events this year and, through the spirit of Canadian unity, helping Ukrainians in need.
We would love to partner with you if you’re inspired to organize a fundraiser or community initiative! Please contact us at [email protected] to learn how to make a difference.
Background
CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The main efforts of cooperation are to provide humanitarian relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.