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CANADA UKRAINE SURGICAL AID PROGRAM – CUSAP IMPROVES QUALITY OF LIFE OF UKRAINIANS WHO SUFFERED SEVERE, TRAUMATIC INJURIES IN RUSSIA’S WAR ON UKRAINE

A team of volunteer medical professionals from across Canada are currently in Poland for the sixth mission of the Canada Ukraine Surgical Aid Program (CUSAP) since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022. The team of medical professionals assessed 15 patients to determine the best course of treatment for their extensive lower and upper extremities injuries.

From November 2 to November 6, 11 patients were operated on – three of them had multi-stage surgeries spanning five days with preparatory free-flap procedures performed a few weeks earlier in Ukraine by Canadian surgeons from the Sunnybrook Ukraine Surgical Educational Initiative.

The CUSAP team is getting patients back on their feet and restoring function to arms and hands through complex, reconstructive, muti-stage surgical procedures, such as removal of external fixators, bone grafts, nerve exploration and transposition, tendons transfer, and shrapnel removal. Our volunteers aim to improve patients’ quality of life by giving them the ability to once again walk and use their hands – something we take for granted in our daily lives.

Over the last five days, four Ukrainian surgeons scrubbed in to assist Canadian colleagues and gain experience from some of the most skilled surgical practitioners in North America. By demonstrating new perspectives and approaches in orthopedic surgery, the impact of CUSAP, a project of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, goes far beyond patients treated in Poland. Through education, the program will assist civilians and soldiers injured in Ukraine.

These patients have all suffered unimaginably from Russia’s unprovoked, genocidal war on Ukraine. Our goal is to do everything possible to restore their quality of life as they begin the process of recovery and healing. We are incredibly thankful to our donors for enabling us to provide the highest quality of care to Ukrainians injured in the war. Your contribution allows us to change lives one patient case at a time. We invite you to continue leaving your mark of hope by donating to support CUSAP.

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HELP US BRING HOME UKRAINIAN CHILDREN!

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The Canada-Ukraine Foundation and Save Ukraine announce a unique collaboration to fund programs targeted toward the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, as well as rehabilitation services for the returned children who endured sexual exploitation and abuse in Russia’s captivity.  

The ongoing war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis that is difficult to comprehend fully. Among the most vulnerable are Ukrainian children, an estimated 1.5 million of which are at risk of having their identities and futures erased by the Russian forces invading their homeland. Approximately 744,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly relocated to Russia so far, and only about 20,000 of them have been documented and identified. 

Save Ukraine has stepped up to meet this unprecedented crisis and has successfully returned more than 70% of the children who have been rescued from Russian captivity. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, the organization has developed a robust system for identifying, locating, rescuing and rehabilitating children abducted by Russian forces, with over 520 children—119 of whom are orphans—already returned safely to Ukraine. These children have endured unspeakable horrors, and many have survived sexual exploitation and abuse, leaving them in need of immediate and comprehensive rehabilitation.  

At the start of the full-scale invasion, Ilona’s home was invaded by Russian troops, which carried out horrific interrogations. In them, she witnessed life-threatening tactics, from physical beatings to being made to hold a live grenade. Soon after, she was taken to Stavropol, Russia, where she was cut off from her family, issued false documents, and forced to work for 2.5 years. After turning to Save Ukraine for help, Ilona was returned to her family in Ukraine.  

Join us in the important work of bringing Ukrainian children back from Russian captivity. Your donation, no matter the amount, is a direct contribution towards reuniting a child with their family and restoring their Ukrainian identity. These children, some as young as toddlers, have only known fear and loss. Your support can help create a future where they can once again feel the love of their families, speak their language, and embrace their heritage.   

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AUCTION FOR THE CHILDREN OF UKRAINE

Don’t miss an exciting opportunity to take home exclusive items and experiences by participating in the Auction for the Children of Ukraine. This event will give Canadians a chance to start Christmas shopping while supporting CUF’s many initiatives targeted at supporting essential services for Ukrainian children during this war. Bidding begins on November 7th!

AUCTION

Background

Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) – founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.

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News Humanitarian/Medical

6TH MEDICAL MISSION OF CUSAP – CANADA UKRAINE SURGICAL AID PROGRAM IS UNDERWAY IN POLAND

Arrival of patients

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February of 2022, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation in partnership with Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto, have held 5 successful surgical missions in Czeladz, Poland, performing over 170 procedures and providing care to over 95 Ukrainian citizens with severe traumas.

From October 27th to November 10th, the incredible team of volunteer medical professionals from across Canada are once again in Poland to provide comprehensive state-of-the-art multidisciplinary trauma care and post-trauma reconstruction to both civilian and military casualties of war in Ukraine and, at the same time, providing support to Ukrainian healthcare professionals through education in trauma reconstruction.

This mission will focus on complex reconstructive surgeries, including orthopaedic and extremity procedures. The cranio-facial component of the program has currently transformed into an educational initiative with live demonstrations in Ukraine – their mission was just held in Lutsk at the beginning of October.

Our team of 30 volunteers includes orthopedic, hand and burn surgeons, anesthesiologists, ICU-intensive care physicians, internists, operating room and ward nurses, physiotherapists, and support staff.

The mission began with the set-up team organizing OR and ward supplies and preparing everything required for surgeries and post-op care.

On October 30th, we welcomed our patients – returning and new – which is always a very special moment. CUSAP patients sustain some of the most severe injuries from the war and require complex reconstructive surgeries. Patients will receive complete assessment, necessary scans, lab work, post-operative assessment, pharmaceutical medications, and referrals for psychological and physiological rehabilitation.

Arrival of 15 patients

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the donors for their unwavering support, which has made our missions possible. Your contributions are the lifeline that allows us to assist patients one surgery at a time. We invite you to continue leaving your mark of hope by donating today to support CUSAP. Together, we can make a real difference!

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MYHAL FAMILY FOUNDATION PLEDGES TO MATCH DONATIONS UP TO $1,000,000 BETWEEN OCTOBER 5th and OCTOBER 31st

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For most Canadians, it’s difficult to imagine having to worry about our children starving or succumbing to hypothermia. For many Ukrainian mothers, this is their current reality. 

Meet Antonina Ostapenko and her family. Their home village was five kilometres from the Sumy region’s border with Russia. In 2022, their village came under Russian occupation, forcing them to flee to Krasnopillia—a town slightly farther away but still dangerously close to the frontline. 

In September 2024, Russia launched an attack on the Ostapenko family’s new town of Krasnopillia, killing one person and injuring five others. Civilian infrastructure was targeted via guided aerial bombs and damaged 15 homes; for those who already have so little, attacks like these take away resources they might have to help them get through the cold, brutal winter. 

Russia’s attacks aren’t stopping. Ukrainians continue to lose part or all of their homes, exposing them to the dangers of the cold. In addition to fearing for her life due to Russian bombs, Antonina had to worry about her young baby and toddler becoming dangerously cold. Our Winterization Program efficiently supplies Ukrainians near the frontlines with essentials like wood-burning stoves, food boxes, and medications to help them through the winter months. With the family’s new wood-burning stove, Antonina has peace of mind knowing she can keep her little ones warm and fed. 

With your overwhelming support this week, we exceeded our goal of $100,000 for the Roadburg Foundation’s matching pledge to our Winterization campaign. Your enthusiasm and commitment are truly inspiring, and we cannot thank you enough for your support. Each one of your donations has made twice the impact this week in helping us keep Ukrainians warm this winter. Due to the overwhelming response we received from our generous donors, we are excited to announce one of our biggest opportunities yet to double your impact! The Myhal Family Foundation is raising the bar higher and is pledging to match $1,000,000 of donations made to CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal’s Winterization Campaign through October 31st. With this incredible opportunity, you can share the blessing of warmth and light with countless families in Ukraine. 

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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.

The Myhal Family Foundation was created by George and Rayla Myhal to assist in supporting causes within Canada that are Health and Education based. The foundation has worked with numerous hospitals in the GTA as well as educational institutions to help support, create and upgrade existing facilities and programs for the betterment of Canadians as a whole. Their work with the Ukrainian community has been extensive.

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Winter Is Coming!

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While we plan to buy salt for our icy driveways, many Ukrainians are in desperate need of necessities for the upcoming winter months. 

It’s important to remember that the crisis in Ukraine is ongoing. Russia continues its targeted, relentless attacks on Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure. With power stations destroyed across the country, many families in Ukraine must worry about not only surviving Russian bombs, but also the freezing cold that comes with them.  

Many families near the frontline, who are often overlooked, are made up of vulnerable populations with unique needs. Our Winterization Program, which assesses local needs with the help of our long-term partners on the ground, has made a significant difference in their lives. It has previously helped many families like these to stay warm and dry. In the Dnipro region, one brave woman, Marichka, has continued her work as a foster mother thanks to the heat and warm meals provided by the stoves. 

“Thank you for the heating and cooking stove we received recently. I am a foster care provider; I have six children in my care. We often have power outages. Thanks to your stove, we can keep warm, and I can dry the children’s clothes because they go to school. We will be able to cook.”

Canadian children get excited about missing school when it’s too snowy to leave the house. A snow day for them means getting cozy under blankets, sipping hot chocolate, and watching a movie after a long day of playing outside in the fresh snow. For Ukrainian kids like these in Dnipro, a foot of snow means hours of being cold, hungry, and isolated from the world. 

Another mother in the Dnipro region has been able to keep herself and her diabetic son with a visual impairment warm in the winter: 

“I live with my son. He is a disabled person of the first group. He has diabetes and has completely lost his eyesight. Since there is a war in Ukraine, we often have power cuts. Thanks to the heating and cooking stove, we can now stay warm and warm up our home. Thank you very much!” 

This year, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation is running its third annual Winterization Program through the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The program aims to equip Ukrainians for the winter months with essential supplies such as cooking and heating stoves, food, medicine, and generators.  

Your donation can mean the difference between a family stranded in the cold and dark, and one that has access to the resources necessary to stay warm, dry, and fed this winter. The overwhelming response from our generous donors to the Roadburg Foundation’s matching pledge, which has already surpassed our goal of $100,000. Stay tuned for our next matching pledge coming soon—in the meantime, continue donating to ensure that more families across Ukraine have access to warmth and hot meals this coming winter. 

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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.

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Biomiq and Canada-Ukraine Foundation Partner to Donate Critical Wound Care Solution to Frontline Hospitals in Ukraine

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The Canada-Ukraine Foundation has partnered with Biomiq Inc., a Canadian manufacturer of advanced wound care medical devices, to deliver wound treatment solutions critically needed in Ukraine. Through this partnership, over 4,000 bottles of PureCleanseTM STAT, a hypochlorous acid cleansing wound lavage, have been donated to two hospitals in Ukraine and the upcoming missions of CUF’s Canada Ukraine Surgical Aid Program. This wound-cleansing solution will help address urgent wound care needs faced by clinicians seeing a high number of patients with complex ballistic injuries sustained in Russia’s brutal war on Ukraine. 

“We are seeing unprecedented types of wounds that pose significant challenges in terms of infection control,” said a clinician from one of the hospitals (location remains undisclosed for security reasons). “Our resources are stretched thin, and having a product like PureCleanse STAT, which can be delivered deep into the wound bed, offers a crucial advantage in fighting infection and improving patient outcomes.”

PureCleanse™ STAT is a hypochlorous acid-based solution that cleanses wounds safely without damaging healthy tissue. It works similarly to saline but with an added benefit: it also kills harmful microbes, helping to prevent infections. This unique combination of safety and antimicrobial effectiveness makes it stand out. Additionally, the fact that this product can be delivered deep into wounds is especially important for treating severe trauma, making it a valuable tool for clinicians dealing with complex injuries on the front lines.

“At our facility, we see many critical cases where time is of the essence, and infections can quickly escalate,” added a representative from one of the recipient hospitals. “Access to this product gives us another tool to improve care for our patients by targeting the infection risk at its source.”

Biomiq’s donation arrives at a time when healthcare providers in Ukraine are facing a critical need for effective treatment options to counteract drug resistance increasingly seen in wounded patients.

Robert Fuller, Managing Director of Biomiq said, “We are grateful for the opportunity to work with the Canada-Ukraine Foundation on this initiative. With this donation to hospitals in Ukraine, we hope to offer real support to the clinicians working tirelessly to care for patients with complex injuries. It’s an honour to play even a small part in helping these brave individuals on their path to recovery.”

Valeriy Kostyuk, Executive Director of CUF, added, “Delivery of PureCleanse STAT to the hospitals in Ukraine shows how practical support from Canadians can make a difference in the treatment of critically injured patients. We are immensely grateful for Biomiq’s commitment to supporting our ongoing relief efforts in Ukraine.”

As we head into the winter season, the medical crisis will only worsen. Through partnerships with Canadian organizations like Biomiq, we can effectively provide humanitarian aid to Ukrainians having to endure even tougher conditions during winter. From September 20th to October 31st, the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal is running a special winterization fundraising campaign for our Winterization Program to help many people in Ukraine have their essential needs covered. 

Donate to impact the lives of Ukrainians in need this winter!

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Background

Biomiq Inc. is a Canadian leader in advanced wound care solutions, specializing in innovative, pure hypochlorous acid-based products. Based in Kitchener, Ontario, Biomiq’s mission is to empower healthcare professionals with tools that improve patient outcomes through safe, effective, and cutting-edge technologies.

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.

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The Roadburg Foundation Is Matching Donations Up To $100,000!

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DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT!

Winter is coming faster than we think! As we are thinking about swapping car tires for winter ones or comparing different models of snowplows, Ukrainians need help to get through this winter with limited power, heat, and constant bombardments by the Russian Federation. 

Your support is crucial. With the generous support of the Roadburg Foundation, your donations made between September 26th and October 6th will be matched up to $100,000. This means your contribution will have double the impact, providing essential aid to Ukrainians. 

The Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation is a private charitable foundation established in 2021 through the estate of the late Vancouver businessman Ronald Roadburg. The Foundation is rooted in a strong sense of community and responsibility, engaging in an array of philanthropic initiatives in the Jewish and broader communities in British Columbia, across Canada, in Israel, and around the world. We at CUF are grateful to the Roadburg Foundation for supporting the Winterization Program and their leadership in strengthening the bond between our two communities.  

Your donation is part of a larger, impactful initiative. The funds raised will be directed towards our 2024 Winterization Program through the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal (UHA), a joint project between CUF and UCC. This initiative is crucial in addressing the immense challenges faced by Ukrainians under Russia’s violent attacks, particularly during the harsh winter months. 

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BUSINESS IN ACTION!

Responsible businesses are the backbone of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s ability to deliver effective and impactful programs.   

Perogie Lili is a Ukrainian perogie (varenyk) counter-service restaurant in the Mile End neighborhood of Montreal. Perogie Lili’s team has donated $400 of their sales from their Grand Opening week in August to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, and they plan to donate on a monthly basis. Thanks to them and other businesses around Canada donating to CUF, we can kickstart our winterization mission to ensure that thousands of Ukrainians have access to essentials during the winter months.

Valeriy Kostyuk and Marianna Kaminska, CUF,
meeting with Nestor Lewyckyj, Perogie Lili co-founder

As a responsible business, your contribution is invaluable. By donating and joining the Canada-wide fundraising initiative, you become a crucial part of the collective effort to aid Ukrainians in need.

Your support is not just appreciated; it’s essential. 

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.

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Let’s Keep Ukrainians Warm This Winter

Canadian winter is a beautiful sight. Despite heavy snow, ice, blizzards, and wind chills, we can find comfort and warmth in our home, surrounded by family and friends. Across the ocean, in the centre of Europe, Ukrainians are heading into a different kind of winter – one without electricity, heat and water.

For the past two winters, the Russian Federation targeted Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, leaving millions stranded in the cold and darkness for hours and days at a time. This winter promises to be no different.

Together, we can help – let’s keep Ukrainians warm this winter!

From September 20th to October 31st, CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal will run a special winterization fundraising campaign to help many people in Ukraine have their essential needs covered.

As Canadians, we know what it takes to be prepared for winter. The Canada-Ukraine Foundation will launch its third annual winterization program this fall. Previously, with your help, we provided Ukrainian people with the following.  

·     161 generators

·     81 tons of medicines and medical supplies

·     5,000 wood-burning stoves

·     8,400 beds, mattresses, blankets, and bedding sets

·     10,000 water purification kits

·     150,000 food boxes

This year’s winterization program will again respond to the local needs identified by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s long-term partners on the ground in Ukraine. The program will be tailored to help the most vulnerable population in Ukraine, residing predominantly along the frontlines and those internally displaced throughout Ukraine.

Let’s keep them warm! Make your donation today!

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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.

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2023 CUF Annual Report

Dear Friends,

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is pleased to share our 2023 Annual Report with you. It details the programs and projects we carried out with your generous support of our mission to help Ukraine.

As we reflect on the past and look into the future, we would like to thank everyone for your generosity, kindness and resilience. In 2023, your donations helped us sustain much-needed humanitarian aid to over 2 million people across Ukraine and displaced Ukrainians in Canada.

On the cover of this year’s report, you will see an image of 9-year-old Polina. Her family is originally from Kupyansk in the Kharkiv Region. Polina’s father and older brother were killed in a heavy shelling of their town. Through your donations, Polina, her mother, and four siblings could find refuge in The City of Goodness in Chernivtsi Region. You can read more about Polina on page 22 of the report.

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If you would like to order a hard copy, please follow the link. The report is currently available in two official languages.

Thank you for enabling us to deliver on our commitment to help Ukraine!

Sincerely,

The Team of Canada-Ukraine Foundation

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Oleksandra Matviichuk’s speaking tour raises over $300,000

In June 2024, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation organized a historic Canadian speaking tour for the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Oleksandra Matviichuk, the head of Ukraine’s Center for Civil Liberties. During her time in Canada, Ms.Matviichuk headlined 37 separate events in four Canadian cities: Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto and Winnipeg.

Oleksandra Matviichuk’s Canadian visit constituted her longest speaking tour in any single country since she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on behalf of her Centre for their work investigating and cataloguing Russian war crimes in Ukraine. Ms.Matviichuk typically never stays in any country longer than three or four days, as her demanding schedule constantly takes her between the UN and the Hague, government meetings in global capitals, and conferences and symposia worldwide.

The Canadian tour objectives were threefold: to increase awareness of the war crimes perpetrated by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, including drawing attention to the plight of over 20,000 Ukrainian children abducted by the Kremlin and to raise funds for vital human rights initiatives.

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation thanks Ms. Matviichuk for giving so much of herself to this tour, which she afterwards said was the best she has ever had. These successes were only realized with our corporate sponsors, led by the Temerty Foundation, and the dozens of volunteers who helped plan, organize, and smoothly execute such an important event.

Through this tour, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation was able to raise over $300,000 towards human and civil rights initiatives aimed to address the critical needs of children who returned home from Russian captivity, women suffering at the hands of war and other key work in this sector.

On September 1st, 2024, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation opened its fall applications intake. We encourage groups and organizations focusing on human and civil rights work to apply. Please visit cufoundation.ca/apply for funding to learn about the granting process and other funding areas available this grant season.

Background

Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) – founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.