The Canada-Ukraine Foundation has joined forces with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in calling for urgent action to protect Ukrainian newcomers in Canada.
Earlier this week, we sent a letter to Immigration Minister Marc Miller requesting an immediate three-year extension of work permits for approximately 300,000 Ukrainians who arrived through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.
Why This Matters:
• Many CUAET holders will soon see their work permits expire
• Without an extension, families face losing their jobs, homes, and stability
• These newcomers have become vital members of our communities
• The CUF has invested over $3 million in settlement support for Displaced Persons
What We’re Asking For:
An automatic 3-year extension of:
• CUAET visas
• Work permits
• Associated benefits
How You Can Help:
1. Share this message with your networks
2. Contact your local MP to express support for the extension
3. Visit cufoundation.ca to learn more about our ongoing support programs
Together, we can ensure that Ukrainian families who have already endured so much can continue building their lives here in Canada.
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.
For the third year in a row, Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation is supporting CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal through its 50 / 50 raffle.
Every donation you make becomes a lifeline for Ukrainians – whether it is delivering urgent medical supplies to civilians, supporting the mental and physical well-being of veterans, providing shelter and food for families displaced from their homes, or ensuring that essential services reach those in need during this critical time.
As the largest 50/50 raffle in professional sports, fans in Alberta will have the chance to win big all season long. The record breaking 50/50 raffle will also raise important dollars for the EOCF to reinvest in the community.
Tickets can be purchased by individuals 18 years or older, located within Alberta’s provincial borders at the time of purchase. All ticket sales are final and ticket buyers will receive a receipt via email after purchasing that will list all numbers associated with the purchased tickets.
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 incredible spirit of Canadian generosity has shone through once again as the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal’s “Power Up Ukraine” campaign enters its final day. In a remarkable demonstration of solidarity, so far, over 4,000 individual donors from coast to coast to coast have united to support vital infrastructure projects in Ukraine. This campaign has received transformative support from several major donors, including the Walsh Foundation, Wheeler Family Foundation, Gordon and Jill Rawlinson, and a few well-meaning Anonymous Givers whose leadership gifts have significantly amplified the campaign’s impact. We are immensely grateful for the kindness of every single donor who has donated towards helping Ukrainians.
This outburst of support will enable CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to launch a robust program focused on critical electrification needs in the coming months. The initiative will prioritize healthcare facility independence through backup power systems and ensure sustainable access to essential services like water supply for vulnerable communities. Through this campaign, we will be able to ensure that essential services can continue even in challenging circumstances. This approach will help protect vulnerable populations and strengthen community resilience across Ukraine.
The overwhelming response to the “Power Up Ukraine” campaign reflects the deep connection between Canadians and Ukraine. It once again demonstrates how Canadians can come together even in challenging times. Through these contributions, Canadians are helping to build a more resilient Ukraine, one donation at a time. This is exactly what being Canadian is all about.
Time is running out, but there’s still a chance to participate in this transformative initiative. Thanks to a special extension from the Government of Canada, donations made before February 28th, 2025, can be applied toward the 2024 fiscal year. This means your contribution today, in 2025, will not only help power up Ukraine but also qualify for your tax filing for 2024.
We are thrilled to announce the lucky winner of our recent fundraising draw! Your generous donations are making a real difference in supporting Ukraine, and we’re excited to reward two of our amazing donors with these fantastic prizes donated by our wonderful Ukrainian-Canadian businesses.
Cheers to You, Our Zirkova Family!
At Zirkova, we’ve always believed in celebrating life’s incredible moments with those we love. But the past year hasn’t been easy. With the ongoing challenges in Ukraine, we’ve faced supply chain hurdles, production delays, and heartbreaking stories from our homeland. Through it all, one thing has kept us going: you.
Your support for Ukraine and Ukrainian-made products has been nothing short of inspiring. You’ve chosen Zirkova not just for its exceptional taste, but for what it represents—resilience, hope, and a connection to something bigger. We can’t thank you enough for standing with us.
A special shoutout to LISSETH from London, Ontario, who won our Vodka Experience! Fun fact: London is where our co-founder Katherine grew up, so this win feels incredibly serendipitous. While we wish we could throw a vodka party for everyone, the next best thing is hosting your own Vodka Experience at home—and we’ve got plenty of ideas to help you make it amazing.
For the Vodka Aficionados:
Zirkova One is perfect for sipping straight, enjoying on the rocks, or crafting the perfect classic martini. Here’s how to make it.Due to supply challenges, you’ll start seeing more of Zirkova One in the 1.14L format—more vodka, more love! Find it here.
For the Cocktail Creators:
Zirkova Together isn’t just vodka; it’s the secret ingredient that takes your cocktails to the next level. Exceptional and designed to shine in every drink, Together does what no other vodka can. Find recipes, videos, and more here.Shop Together.
For the Bold and the Curious:
Zirkova Unity is a story of survival and collaboration – a uniquely Ukrainian-Canadian vodka hand-crafted by our Ukrainian Master Distiller here in Canada using the best Saskatchewan wheat from the heart and blended with ater sourced from the Canadian Shield. It’s a testament to resilience and unity. Discoverits inspiring story.Find Unity here in Ontario and at Liquor Marts in Manitoba here… https://www.liquormarts.ca/product/zirkova-unity-vodka/750-ml-0. It is also available at select stores in Saskatchewan.
To do a vodka comparison at home with Zirkova One and Zirkova Together, Join John and Katherine here!
Every sip of Zirkova is a toast to the incredible people who’ve supported us, stood with Ukraine, and believed in the power of togetherness. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’ll keep raising our glasses—and our spirits. 🥂
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated – your support means the world to Ukrainians in need. Canada Ukraine Foundation is incredibly grateful to Perogie Lili and Zirkova Vodka for their generous prize donations. These Ukrainian-Canadian businesses continue demonstrating their commitment to our community and Ukraine through their ongoing support.
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.
When winter strikes in Canada, we reach for our thermostats, bundle up in warm clothes, and know that a hot tea awaits us after a chilly day. But imagine if that simple comfort was no longer guaranteed – if the switch on your thermostat didn’t do anything at all, and the promise of warmth remained unfulfilled. This isn’t a hypothetical scenario – it’s the daily reality for millions of Ukrainians.
While we may not always be content with our hydro bills, Ukrainian families face a different kind of winter calculation: how many hours of electricity they might have today, whether their local hospital’s generator will hold out through emergency surgeries, or if their children will be able to do homework before darkness falls.
For almost 3 years, Russia’s targeted attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have transformed everyday life into a constant struggle for survival. Hospitals perform critical procedures under emergency lights, elderly residents climb countless stairs in pitch-dark buildings, and families huddle together in freezing apartments, waiting for power to return. But amidst this darkness, there’s hope – and it comes in the form of concrete action from Canadians like you.
Your past generosity through CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has powered resistance and resilience across Ukraine. Our collective impact is undeniable.
In the darkest moments of 2022, with the support of NGO Initiative E+, we installed 60 generators in hospitals, keeping medical equipment running and saving lives daily. Picture a premature baby whose incubator stays powered through blackouts or emergency surgery completed despite missile strikes nearby.
For Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy, we’ve provided 50 industrial-grade generators with light masts, helping maintain essential services in the most vulnerable communities. These aren’t just machines—they’re lifelines that keep water pumping, communications running and hope alive.
We’ve also reached into homes, with the support of Global Medic, delivering 46 generators to war veterans’ families. This ensures that those who’ve sacrificed everything for their country don’t face winter’s challenges alone.
This $1.5 million initiative has already transformed countless lives. But with just 72 hours left in our Power Up Ukraine fundraiser, we’re reaching out with urgency – because more communities are waiting for help. The contrast between our Canadian winter experience and Ukraine’s reality is stark. While we can count on basic services, Ukrainians count the minutes between blackouts. While our biggest winter worry might be a delayed flight or icy roads, Ukrainian families worry about survival itself.
You can help bridge this gap. Your contribution today can help keep a hospital running, a family warm, or a community connected. We have three days left to make a difference.
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.
As Canadians huddle in our warm homes during these bitter winter months, millions of Ukrainians face their most challenging year yet for their energy system. While we casually flip switches to light our rooms and turn up thermostats when the chill creeps in, Ukraine has endured 13 massive attacks on its energy infrastructure in 2024 alone, with Russia launching nightly drone strikes and combining these with various types of missiles during more extensive assaults. On Christmas Day alone, Russia launched a devastating attack using 78 missiles and 106 combat drones, leaving countless families in darkness and freezing temperatures.
The scale of destruction in 2024 has been unprecedented, with Ukraine losing 9 gigawatts of power generation capacity – enough to power millions of homes. Since October 2022, Russia has carried out over a thousand strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, with attacks intensifying and becoming more sophisticated. Picture your own family trying to survive winter nights without heat, where temperatures plummet well below freezing. This is not a hypothetical scenario – this is the daily reality for millions of Ukrainians who are showing incredible resilience in the face of these challenges.
Ukrainian energy workers are fighting a heroic battle. They work around the clock to maintain and repair critical infrastructure under constant threat of attacks. While we rely on electricity to power our daily lives in Canada—from brewing our morning coffee to keeping our phones charged for emergency calls—these dedicated workers risk their lives to ensure that Ukrainians can maintain some semblance of normal life. Thanks to their tireless efforts, Ukraine’s energy system remains intact. Despite the relentless attacks, it continues providing electricity to essential services and heat to consumers with great limitations.
The time to act is now—the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal “Power Up Campaign” ends on January 12th. With just five days remaining, your support is crucial in providing essential power equipment, generators, critical infrastructure, and essential services to the most vulnerable Ukrainian communities. Together, we can help keep the lights on in Ukraine when they need it most! Remember: The Government of Canada has extended the deadline for charitable tax receipts for the 2024 tax year. Your donation today will be eligible for a tax receipt that can be used for your 2024 tax filing.
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.
While Canadians welcomed 2025 with fireworks and celebrations, Ukrainians faced a different reality. As we shared midnight toasts with loved ones, Russia unleashed a large aerial assault on Ukraine. Canadian skies lit up with celebration while Ukraine’s lit up with explosions.
Ukraine’s hospitals are in the grip of an unprecedented crisis. Over New Year’s Day, Russia launched a staggering 111 drones, followed by another wave of 72 drones the night of January 2nd. These coordinated attacks were aimed at power stations across Ukraine, deliberately leaving medical facilities running on restrictive emergency power. Emergency rooms are operating under the flickering light powered by backup generators, surgeons are performing complex procedures with the constant threat of sudden power cuts, and hospitals are forced to evacuate their most vulnerable patients. The situation is dire, and without immediate support, more lives will be lost.
The healthcare system is on the brink. The New Year’s assault damaged Ukraine’s remaining power grid capacity, pushing medical staff to work tirelessly against time while their backup generators ran low on fuel. As temperatures plummet to -10°C, babies in neonatal units rely on unreliable power to warm their incubators. Dialysis patients are left wondering if their next life-saving treatment will be possible. Every minute without stable power puts more patients at risk. Yet, these medical heroes continue to fight for their patients, demonstrating unwavering dedication and courage in the face of adversity.
Until January 12th, CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal is running a campaign to buy power generators, stations, and batteries for hospitals, but we can’t do it alone. Your immediate donation could be the difference between life and death for patients across Ukraine—every hour counts. Your contribution could power a child’s ventilator or keep critical surgical equipment running. According to WHO, in the first 1000 days alone, Russia has conducted 2134 confirmed attacks on Ukrainian healthcare facilities; the need has never been more urgent. Your action now can power up Ukraine’s hospitals and support these medical heroes. Your donation will help save lives.
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.
As we prepare to step into a new year, we are filled with gratitude for your steadfast support of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Your generosity has been a beacon of hope for countless Ukrainians, and your contributions have made a profound impact on communities in crisis due to Russia’s unprovoked and destructive war. Your past donations have truly changed lives, and we are deeply thankful for your continued support.
Your donations to our Winterization campaign this year have made it possible to continue initiatives that aim to support Ukrainians suffering further from a lack of warmth and electricity. One such organization, Finn Church Aid, is partnering with CUF to support the education of 2,000 children in the Kharkiv and Chernihiv regions, who constantly face blackouts at school. This project focuses on winterizing schools and ensuring that, even during the harshest months, children can continue their education safely and without interruption.
In Kharkiv and Chernihiv, schools are facing a daunting challenge-providing a basic education to young children amidst constant power outages and freezing temperatures. Your support is directly addressing this need. CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal in partnership with Finn Church Aid is working hand in hand with local education authorities to provide essential equipment to three schools in these areas, ensuring that children can continue their studies and remain safe in the face of adversity.
Here’s what your donations are helping to deliver:
Fast-Charging Stations: Each of the three schools selected for this initiative will receive 5 fast-charging stations (15 total) to ensure uninterrupted electricity throughout the school day. These stations will power critical devices and keep the lights on in classrooms, even during blackouts.
LED Flashlights with Power Banks: 186 LED flashlights (62 per school), equipped with embedded power banks, will provide vital lighting in classrooms, hallways, and air raid shelters, allowing students to study and stay safe during air raid alerts and power cuts.
Thermopods for Warm Meals: Each school will receive 8 25-litre thermopods (24 total), keeping food warm for up to 8 hours. These thermopods will ensure that students are fed nourishing meals, even when energy sources are scarce.
These items are not just supplies; they are the tools that will allow children in Ukraine to stay focused on their education, keep warm during the winter months, and remain resilient in the face of ongoing conflict. By donating to the CUF-UCC Power Up Ukraine campaign, you are directly improving the lives of 2,000 schoolchildren in some of Ukraine’s most war-torn regions. With your help, these children will have the opportunity to continue learning, stay safe, and feel a sense of normalcy amid the chaos.
As we bid farewell to this year and welcome a new one, we urge you to consider starting your new year with a meaningful act of kindness. The situation in Ukraine is urgent, and your donation to the Power Up Ukraine campaign can make a significant difference. Your gift will continue to power life-saving projects like this, providing warmth, light, and hope, for those who need it most.
Thank you for continuing to be a part of this mission. Your support is changing lives.
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.
As the year comes to a close, we would like to share with you the incredible impact your donations have had on the lives of countless Ukrainians enduring the harsh winter months. Thanks to your unwavering support, the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has delivered vital resources to those who need them most— providing warmth and ensuring safety in Ukrainian communities devastated by Russia’s violent war.
Today, we want to highlight two remarkable initiatives made possible through your generosity. Our partners, the Youth Movement “Be Free” and Podilska Perlyna, have worked tirelessly to provide life-saving solutions in the most affected regions. These projects, which you have made possible, are not just about giving aid—they’re about restoring hope and dignity to people who have lost everything. Your role in this cannot be overstated.
Through your donations, Be Free is distributing 1,450 wood-burning stoves and 1,450 power bank kits, each containing a solar battery and USB flashlight, to vulnerable Ukrainian families. These stoves provide warmth in homes that have no other source of heat, while also providing a means to cook warm meals. The power bank kits help Ukrainians stay connected during blackouts. At the same time, the solar-powered flashlights provide critical light in dark, bombed-out towns. With your continued support, Be Free is turning the harsh winter into a season of resilience. These efforts are giving families a fighting chance against the freezing temperatures and constant power outages caused by Russia’s targeted attacks on vital power infrastructure in Ukraine.
As Ukrainian families are suddenly and violently displaced by the war, many are left with nothing. Podilska Perlyna produced 500 wooden beds with cotton mattresses, ensuring that 500 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) who found refuge in Western Ukraine have a place to sleep with dignity. In the chaos of displacement, a bed is more than just furniture—it symbolizes safety, stability, and care. Every bed your donation funds is more than just a physical object. It’s a gesture of compassion that says: We see you. We care about you. You are not forgotten.
Your generosity makes these efforts—wood stoves, solar kits, and beds—possible. Your continued support is not just appreciated, it’s vital. Your donations are making a tangible difference in Ukraine, one family at a time. With your continued support, we can help more families survive the brutal winter and rebuild their lives despite the devastation.
As the year ends, please consider donating to our ongoing Power Up Ukraine campaign. With your support, we can make 2024 a year of hope, rebuilding, and renewal. Every dollar you contribute powers an essential project like the ones you’ve just read about—ensuring that Ukrainian people have light, and a place to rest in the midst of their darkest days. Your support is more crucial than ever. Will you help us continue this vital work into the new year?
We are deeply grateful for your past support and hope that you will continue to be the beacon of hope that Ukraine desperately needs. Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the people of Ukraine.
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.
Help us raise $600,000 to fund 50 energy units for hospitals in frontline regions of Ukraine.These units will ensure uninterrupted power supply, enabling hospitals to continue life-saving operations during power outages.
Today is the last day to enter our exclusive prize draw and help Ukrainians this Christmas.
Millions of Ukrainians are facing their third winter without power, heat, or light. Every day, families endure freezing temperatures, struggling to stay warm in the dark, unsure when their electricity will return. For them, this holiday season is a fight for survival. Your immediate donation can change that.
By donating to CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Power Up Ukraine campaign today, you’ll be making a significant difference by helping provide life-saving solar-powered generators to families who need them most. Your contribution will give people of Ukraine light, warmth, and the ability to cook food—bringing them a little hope during one of the darkest winters they’ve ever known.
And as a thank you for your generosity, we’re offering two incredible prizes:
A one-of-a-kind Zirkova Vodka Tasting Experience with CEO and Founder John Vellinga, as featured on Dragons’ Den—an unforgettable opportunity to taste and learn about one of the finest Ukrainian vodkas in the world.
A $100 voucher to Perogie Lili, a beloved Ukrainian dumplings (varenyk) counter-service restaurant in Montreal, where you can indulge in delicious, authentic Ukrainian flavors.
But hurry—today is your last chance to donate and enter the draw!
Donate now and make a difference this holiday season. Every donation counts. Thank you for your kindness and compassion. Your support is invaluable, and together, we can bring light to Ukraine whe they need it most.
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.
As Christmas approaches, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and generosity. This festive season is an opportunity to reflect on the power of kindness, the importance of family, and the joy that comes from helping others.
While many of us will celebrate surrounded by warmth and light, we are mindful of the millions of families in Ukraine who are facing a very difficult holiday season. With winter upon them and the ongoing challenges of power outages and harsh conditions due to Russia’s relentless attacks, their homes are plunged into darkness, and their families endure unimaginable hardship. Thanks to generous supporters like you, we can bring hope to these families during this challenging time. Your kindness truly makes a difference, and we want to express our sincere appreciation for everything you’ve done to help those in need.
As we celebrate this special season, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible community of donors, volunteers, and friends like you who stand with Ukraine. Thank you for your compassion and generosity. Together, we can bring light and hope to Ukraine this holiday season.
As a token of our gratitude, we’re excited to offer you the chance to enter our holiday prize draw by donating to our CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal for the Power Up Ukraine campaign by December 27th. Prizes include:
A one-of-a-kind Zirkova Vodka Tasting Experience with CEO and Founder John Vellinga, as featured on Dragons’ Den—an unforgettable opportunity to taste and learn about one of the finest Ukrainian vodkas in the world.
A $100 voucher to Perogie Lili, a beloved Ukrainian dumpling (varenyk) counter-service restaurant in Montreal, where you can indulge in delicious, authentic Ukrainian flavors.
Donate today to spread hope this holiday season and enter for a chance to win these incredible prizes!
On behalf of the entire Canada-Ukraine Foundation team, we wish you and your loved ones a peaceful and joyful holidays filled with love and happiness. May the new year bring you and your family health, happiness, and hope.
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.
