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Report from the UN OCHA on the Situation in Ukraine

Here is a link to the most recent report from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affair (UN OCHA) on the situation in Ukraine.

Ukraine | OCHA (unocha.org)

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes.

#HelpUkraineNow

Your donation is needed to help support this important project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca  or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4).

For further information: [email protected].

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Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

NATO’s Flawed Logic in Denying Ukraine the Assistance it Needs

Written By: Bohdan Romaniuk, VP Alberta, Canada-Ukraine Foundation

First, a basic truth. The only way to stop the ongoing murder in Ukraine is by intervening with physical force. Resolutions of condemnation and economic penalties are unlikely to have any effect.


It is therefore shocking to observe far more agreement within NATO on the red lines it will not cross in assisting Ukraine against Russian aggression, than on the red lines it will not allow Vladimir Putin to cross in his campaign against the people of Ukraine. Indeed, to date, not one world leader has had the courage to answer the following question: How many Ukrainian civilians must be murdered before any of the 141 countries signing the UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will take immediate, concrete steps to stop the slaughter?

The world’s leaders it seems, are becoming increasingly inured to the heartrending cascade of pleas from Ukraine — every minute of every day — for assistance in stopping the relentless, merciless and criminal bombing of its civilian population. NATO, for its part, remains steadfast in its refusal to place “boots on the ground” (and pilots in the air) to prevent Putin’s ongoing annihilation of Ukraine. This, however, misapprehends Ukraine’s fundamental request. It is not for allied soldiers to fight alongside Ukraine’s military. Rather, it is a plea for the weapons and equipment Ukraine needs to neutralize Russia’s air superiority, such as fighter jets, anti-aircraft missile systems and drones.

NATO is concerned that any escalation in the assistance it provides to Ukraine may lead to World War Three and an all-out nuclear war. This is what Putin has threatened and, apparently, what the alliance fears.


There is a problem with this pledge of inaction, at least for Ukraine and its beleaguered civilians. It leaves them vulnerable to Putin’s attacks, which the world continues to watch in horror on TV each night, while suffering, at least somewhat, from the pangs of a less than clear conscience. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has not been the only one to say Russia’s invasion “shows signs of genocide.” One might reasonably ask, does anything of substance remain of the world’s post-Holocaust promise of “Never again?”


Let us draw some conclusions from this.


First, Article 5 of the NATO Charter, which treats an attack against one NATO member as an attack against all members, is either an unbreakable pledge of collective defence, or it is a bluff, a hollow threat.

Second, if Article 5 is not a bluff, then the rationale for declining Ukraine’s requests falls apart. In a word, NATO cannot have it both ways. It either fears nuclear confrontation with Russia and will avoid it at all costs, or it doesn’t and won’t. Clearly, NATO’s commitment to collective defence, if resolute and inviolate, constitutes a complete rejection of Putin’s nuclear blackmail. So why the fear of assisting a country whose innocent civilians are being slaughtered?


Third, whether or not Article 5 is a bluff, by refusing Ukraine’s plea for the military hardware it requires to defend itself against war crimes being committed by a much larger, much more powerful, nuclear-armed invader, NATO is providing a green light to all similarly inclined predator states possessing a nuclear arsenal. The corollary to this is also telling. While the lives of people living in NATO member countries may be worth saving at all costs against foreign aggression, the lives of Ukrainian citizens (and, more generally, of all people living outside NATO countries) are not.

Fourth, if Article 5 is not a bluff, there may be another, more cynical reason underpinning NATO’s desire to limit its involvement in militarily aiding Ukraine. That is, from NATO’s perspective, there are advantages to remaining on the sidelines until Russia either loses its war with Ukraine, or occupies Ukraine but then sustains mortal wounds following many years of unsuccessfully fighting an unforgiving guerrilla war led by a determined Ukrainian resistance. Either way, Russia suffers a crushing defeat, NATO wins, and Ukraine … well, Ukraine is yet again abandoned by the world in its time of need, to suffer unbearable losses and unimaginable destruction, before rising again from the rubble, to rebuild and renew its democracy, restore its sovereignty and independence, and take all necessary steps to never again rely on the promises of others as it did, most recently, in 1994. As the world well knows, under the Budapest Memorandum, Ukraine voluntarily transferred its entire nuclear arsenal to Russia in exchange for promises from America, the U.K. and Russia to protect its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. It’s unlikely to ever make a mistake like that again.

One prays the above supposition is wrong. But unless NATO provides Ukraine with the military equipment and assistance it needs to defeat Russia, NATO’s excuses for declining such aid will forever remain suspect.

Your donation is needed to help support this important community project!
Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through:www.cufoundation.ca  For further information: [email protected]

BackgroundThe Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner. 

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Committee is established jointly by the two organizations 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 committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis. 

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4).For further information: [email protected]

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Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Continues Support for Ukrainian People

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), is immensely grateful to all Canadians for their generous support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.


As Russia continues its vicious assault on Ukrainian civilians, indiscriminately shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities, the need for humanitarian aid grows every day.


Most recently Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced a contribution of $5 million to the Humanitarian Appeal on behalf of the Province of Alberta in addition to $1M previously announced.

Early today, Orest Sklierenko, CUF President and CEO met with Premier Kenney in person to express his gratitude to the Government of Alberta and the people of Alberta for their support and to provide an update on the aid that has already been delivered to affected families in Ukraine and bordering countries.

“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,” stated Orest Sklierenko, President and CEO of CUF. “Canada is truly united in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people!”


“The CUF/UCC Humanitarian Appeal has already delivered multiple tranches of aid, valued at over $2 million. Aid has been delivered wherever affected recipients are found, from heavily shelled areas in the north and east of the country, to areas in the west of Ukraine and in neighbouring countries where displaced families are in need of support.”


We are withholding more specific information due to security concerns. Subsequent tranches of support will follow in coming days as we monitor and confirm prior deliveries of support and assess the evolving needs, together with partners on the ground in all parts of Ukraine and its neighbours where help is required.


Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes.#HelpUkraineNow


Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made

through: www.cufoundation.ca  

For further information: [email protected]

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner. 

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Committee is established jointly by the two organizations 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 committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis. 

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4). For further information: [email protected]

Categories
News Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical

Sanjha TV Telethon and Radiothon for Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), is immensely grateful to all Canadians for their generous support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.

As Russia continues its vicious assault on Ukrainian civilians, indiscriminately shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities, the need for humanitarian aid grows every day. On Monday we were honoured to participate in the Red FM and Sanjha TV South Asian Canadian Community’s Telethon and Radiothon, which raised at least $300,000 and more still coming. We’ll keep you updated on this outstanding fundraising efforts soon.

The CUF/UCC Humanitarian Appeal has already delivered two tranches of aid, totaling $1.62 million. Subsequent tranches of support will follow in coming days as we monitor and confirm prior deliveries of support and assess the evolving needs together with partners on the ground. We are withholding more specific information due to security concerns.

“In Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians – we see the depravity and evil of the Russian regime. In the bravery and unity of Ukrainians – and in the generosity, compassion, and charity of Canadians across the country – we see the best of humanity,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “We are truly grateful to everyone for the immense support the Ukrainian people are receiving from Canadians during this difficult time. Thank you! Merci! Дякую!”

All donations, no matter how large or small, will help the people of Ukraine in their time of need!

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes.

#HelpUkraineNow

Your donation is needed to help support this important project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca  or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4).

For further information: [email protected].

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Committee is established jointly by the two organizations 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 committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis.

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4). For further information: [email protected]

Categories
News Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical Uncategorized

Second aid provision, a further $1.07 million, sent to support Ukrainian population impacted by Russian attacks 

March 4, 2022. TORONTO/OTTAWA – Today, the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal announced a further $1,070,000 CAD of aid to be delivered early next week.

The UCC-CUF Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal had already deployed approximately $550,000 CAD to provide food packages, medicine and shelter.Today’s announcement brings that total to $1.62M CAD. Subsequent tranches of support will follow as we monitor and confirm prior deliveries of support, and assess the evolving needs.

Last week, Russia declared war on Ukraine. The Russian army has attacked military facilities, infrastructure and civilian targets. The WHO health cluster estimates that the number of affected people has climbed from 2.9 million a week ago, to almost 20 million today. As a result of this revised estimate, the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has increased its target to $25 million CAD.

Just yesterday Rawlco Radio, in partnership 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. In just 12 hours, the people of Saskatchewan pulled together and donated $1,020,125 to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees and those in Ukraine!

“We have been working over the past several months to identify partners on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding countries who will be able to deliver aid to the affected population,” said Victor Hetmanczuk, Acting Chair of CUF and Humanitarian Relief Committee lead. “As our partners for the first two tranches of aid deliver on their missions, we continue in our conversations with all our partners to plan for various potential scenarios.”

CUF is now also be lending its expertise in working with several independent initiatives across Canada and help with the logistics required to gather, coordinate and manage the delivery of dozens, if not hundreds, of pallets of donated medical supplies.

“There is a real human need for our members of the Ukrainian Canada community and the broader community, our friends all around us, to do everything we can to help the people of Ukraine at their time of need,” said Alexandra Chyczij, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “We will be reaching out through the UCC provincial councils in the coming weeks to ensure all donated items from schools, places of worship, businesses, organizations, and individuals have a way of getting to those who need them.”

The Appeal will also help fund the coordination and delivery of both the medical supplies and the donated items. An announcement will follow next week.

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes. #HelpUkraineNow.

Your donation is needed to help support this important project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4).

For further information: [email protected].

Background Information

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal – visit www.cufoundation.ca to donate now.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee is established jointly by the two organizations 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 committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by crisis.

As of March 4, 2022: The UCC-CUF Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has announced the deployment of $1.62M CAD for the provision of food packages, medicine and shelter. Subsequent tranches of support will follow as we monitor and confirm delivery of prior tranches of support and assess the evolving needs. Funds pledged to date add up to $7.5M CAD of the $25M CAD target.

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4). For further information:  [email protected]

Canada-Ukraine Foundation

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) was established to coordinate, develop, organize, and deliver assistance projects generated by Canadians and directed to Ukraine. CUF was established as a national charitable foundation that would coordinate Canadian organizations that have projects across both Ukraine as well as Canada.

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s (CUF) Health Advisory Team (HAT) is the partner of choice for Ukrainian healthcare institutions, NGOs, and various levels of government health ministries to build capability and capacity within Ukrainian healthcare systems and communities. Through CUF-supported programs and projects, we promote health by enabling organizations, healthcare practitioners and advocates to improve the healthcare in the communities that they serve.

Ukrainian Canadian Congress

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is the voice of Canada’s Ukrainian community.  The Congress brings together under one umbrella all the national, provincial and local Ukrainian Canadian organizations. Together with its member organizations, the UCC has been leading, coordinating and representing the interests of one of Canada’s largest ethnic communities (1.4 million) since 1940 and has been instrumental in shaping Canada’s social, economic and political landscape.

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Uncategorized Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

Vitaliy Skakun Fund for Ukrainian Veterans’ Families

March 3, 2022. TORONTO/OTTAWA – Vitaliy Volodymyrovych Skakun (19 August 1996 – 24 February 2022) was a Ukrainian marine combat engineer born 19 August 1996 in Berezhany, Ternopilska Oblast, Ukraine.

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Skakun’s battalion was deployed to protect the town of Henichesk, located near the Isthmus of Perekop. As a Russian armoured column approached the position, Ukrainian forces decided to destroy the Henichesk bridge, in order to slow the advance of Russian troops advancing northward from Crimea in the Kherson offensive. Skakun, a combat engineer, volunteered to place mines on the bridge.

On 24 February 2022, after placing the explosives, Skakun lacked time to withdraw from the bridge and, after texting his intentions to his fellow soldiers, detonated the mines killing himself and destroying the bridge. His actions slowed the Russian advance allowing his battalion time to regroup.

Vitaliy Skakun
(19 August 1996 – 24 February 2022)
Hero of Ukraine

Vitaliy is survived by his mother, sister and family in Ukraine, Canada and U.S.A.

On 26 February 2022, Skakun was posthumously awarded the Order of the Gold Star, the military version of the title of Hero of Ukraine, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On 28 February 2022, the Czech representative of one of Prague’s city districts, Libor Bezděk, proposed to rename a bridge in Korunovační street, which is the address of the Russian embassy, to Vitaliy Skakun Bridge. The proposal was accepted by the district and was forwarded to Prague City Council.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation are proud to honour the memory of Vitaliy Skakun by establishing the Vitaliy Skakun Fund to assist the families of Ukrainian veterans. 

ВІЧНАЯ ПАМ’ЯТЬ! ГЕРОЇ НЕ ВМИРАЮТЬ!

Donations in memory of Vitaliy Skakun can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to the CUF office with the Vitaliy Skakun Fund in the memo line.

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Uncategorized Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal To Send Opening Aid Provision

February 28, 2022. TORONTO/OTTAWA – Last week, Russia declared war on Ukraine. The Russian army has attacked military facilities, infrastructure and civilian targets. The WHO health cluster estimates that the number of affected people has climbed from 2.9 million a week ago, to over 18 million today.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people.

The UCC-CUF Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has already deployed approximately $500,000 CAD to provide food packages, medicine and shelter. Subsequent tranches of support will follow as we monitor delivery and needs.

 “As of 9:00 am EST on February 28, the Appeal has raised over $4 million from a broad base of supporters across Canada – provincial governments, family foundations, community organizations, credit unions, public and private companies, and thousands of individual donors,” said Orest Sklierenko, President and CEO of CUF. “I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from every corner of Canada, who share the horror of the war being waged by Russia against the Ukrainian people.”

“We are extremely grateful to all Canadians for their continued generosity and support at this time of need,” said Alexandra Chyczij, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “Putin must be held to account in the International Criminal Court of Justice where he should be tried for war crimes.”

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes. #HelpUkraineNow.

Your donation is needed to help support this important community project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office. For further information: [email protected].

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee has been established jointly by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation 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 assistance/relief in the areas of Assistance to displaced persons, Medical care, Emergency Shelter and Food security.

As of Sunday, February 27, the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has raised over $3 million with widespread support from all parts of Canada, from friends of Ukraine from all sectors, including:

  • The provinces of Alberta ($1,000,000), Saskatchewan ($100,000), Manitoba ($150,000), Ontario ($300,000) and Nova Scotia ($100,000)
  • Family foundations and major donors led by the Temerty Family Foundation ($750,000)
  • Major Credit Unions across Canada, led by Ukrainian Credit Union ($100,000) and many other members of the Canadian Credit Union Association
  • Canadian businesses led by Chapman’s Ice Cream ($50,000) and many others
  • And thousands of Canadians from coast to coast
Categories
Uncategorized Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Update

February 24, 2022. TORONTO/OTTAWA – Today, Russia has declared war on Ukraine. The Russian army conducts military operations against the Ukrainian people, targeting several Ukrainian cities. There were reports of explosions in the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and many others.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) today announced a major update on its fundraising efforts to respond to the humanitarian crisis ensuing from the current Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Province of Alberta will donate $1 million toward humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine as Russian aggression in the country escalates.

“The UCC and CUF are also pleased to announce that the Temerty Foundation has generously donated $750,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal,” said Orest Sklierenko, CUF’s President and CEO.

“We are extremely grateful to them for their generous contribution and ask all Canadians to join in our efforts to help people in Ukraine who have had to flee their homes,” said Alexandra Chyczij, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

With the donation by the Province of Alberta and the Temerty Foundation, the Ukraine Appeal Fund has raised $2,390,000 to date. This includes a generous $100,000 contribution from the Province of Saskatchewan, $150,000 donation from the Province of Manitoba, $300,000 – from the Province of Ontario and many organizational and individual donors.

Members of the Ukrainian Canadian community, many of our friends and colleagues across Canada, community organizations, provincial governments and a major donor have responded to the appeal and helped us exceed the preliminary Phase I target of $1.5M.

 Today we are announcing a Phase II target of $5M aimed at continued supplies of food and medicine for displaced Ukrainians.

“In addition to streamlining the Canadian response, we are also encouraging other Ukrainian diaspora countries to do the same and assess how to best support Ukrainian people at this time of need,” – said Orest Sklierenko, CUF’s President and CEO.

Your donation is needed to help support this important community project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office.

 For further information: [email protected]

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee has been established jointly by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation 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 assistance/relief in the areas of Assistance to displaced persons, Medical care, Emergency Shelter and Food security.

Categories
News Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical Uncategorized

Ukrainian Women’s Organization National & Toronto Branch donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

TORONTO/OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) are pleased to announce that the Ukrainian Women’s Organization (UWOC) National and Toronto Branch, have generously donated $7,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The $7,000 donation consists of $5,000 from UWOC National and, $2,000 from the UWOC Toronto Branch.

“We are most grateful to the UWOC for their contribution to this important campaign,” stated Orest Sklierenko, President of the CUF.

The Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, founded in 1930,  supports the democratic, economic, and social development of a free and independent Ukraine.

“The members of the UWOC are carrying on the tradition of their founders who were instrumental in providing essential aid and relief to Ukrainian refugees during World War II,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, President of UCC National.

The UHA will provide humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine, working with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis.

“Efforts will be focused on the provision of humanitarian assistance in the form of medical care, emergency shelter and food security to displaced persons,” stated Orest Sklierenko, President of the Canada Ukraine Foundation.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between UCC and CUF details a framework for mutual collaboration:

  • to work collaboratively on humanitarian assistance initiatives directed towards Ukraine, facilitating uniform and coordinated action between the UCC and CUF, its branches, and members, while building on the recognized expertise, experience, and resources of each organization;
  • to develop projects that will combine the subject matter and implementation experience of CUF with the expertise of UCC in uniting the Ukrainian Canadian community;
  • to offer donors and other stakeholders an opportunity to make contributions and receive reports through a single channel; and
  • to adopt a coordinated approach in collaboration with donors and other stakeholders who wish to support people in Ukraine affected by crisis.

The main efforts of cooperation will be to provide humanitarian assistance/relief in the areas of Assistance to displaced persons, Medical care, Emergency Shelter and Food security. The roles and responsibilities of UCC and CUF are detailed in the MOA, including financial accountability, reporting requirements and overall transparency to the Ukrainian Canadian community.

More about THE Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

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News

CUF SAYS THANK YOU TO THE PAST CHAIR AND WELCOMES THE NEW DIRECTOR

Last month the Canada-Ukraine Foundation bid farewell to our Chair and long-time director, Bohdan Onyschuk.

Mr. Onyschuk was actively involved in the community holding a number of leadership roles, including as Chairman of the Canadian Urban Institute, founding Chairman and current Vice President of the Canada Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, founding Director of the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and Past Director of the Canadian Division of the International Council of Shopping Centres. Mr. Onyschuk represented the Government of Ukraine in Canada on a number of trade and government policy issues.

He is the recipient of a number of distinguished awards, including the Order of Merit of Ukraine (presented by President Yushchenko in May 2008), the Shevchenko medal, and the International Council of Shopping Centres Trustees Distinguished Service Award.

Thanks to Mr. Onyshuk’s leadership, commitment, and hard work, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation completed many successful and impactful projects in Ukraine and Canada.

Krystina Waler, who represented Help us Help on the CUF Board, also left the board to pursue other professional opportunities. CUF is thankful for Ms. Waler’s active participation on CUF’s projects, notably our very successful joint project, “COVID-19 Children’s Relief Initiative”.

We are also glad to welcome Marco Levytsky, who joins the CUF Board representing the member organization – Brotherhood of Ukrainian Catholics of Canada. Mr. Levytsky replaces John Boyko, who represented the Brotherhood until now. Marco Levytsky is currently the National Affairs Editor and Western Bureau Chief of New Pathway – Ukrainian News. He was the Publisher and Editor of Edmonton-based Ukrainian News, which he merged with New Pathway in 2017. He has served on the Boards and Executives of numerous Ukrainian community organizations and committees. He is the recipient of the Ukrainian Presidential Cross of Ivan Mazepa, the Shevchenko Medal, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council’s Hetman Award, the Ukrainian Professional and Business Association of Calgary’s Lifetime Achievement Awards and the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada’s Certificate of Honour.

Thank you and Welcome!