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UKRAINIANS IN CRISIS AFTER NEW YEAR’S ATTACKS

Make your donation count! Government of Canada announces extension of 2024 charitable donations to February 28, 2025

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.

Extended Tax Deadline Maximizes Your Impact

Here’s your chance to make a real difference in Ukrainian lives early in 2025 while applying your donation to the 2024 fiscal year! The Government of Canada has extended the charitable donation deadline to February 28, 2025, instead of the traditional December 31 cut-off. This gives you extra time to support urgent humanitarian efforts.


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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AS WE GO INTO THE NEW YEAR, LET’S POWER UP UKRAINE TOGETHER

Donate today and help Ukrainians start the New Year with the Power to be Resilient.

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.


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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CANADIAN GENEROSITY KEEPING UKRAINIANS WARM THIS WINTER!

Your donations are making impact on lives of Ukrainians this winter.

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.


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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LAST DAY TO DONATE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN EXCLUSIVE PRIZES

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.


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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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

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.


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 POWER UP UKRAINE TOGETHER!

Donate before December 27th for a chance to win exclusive prizes from Zirkova Vodka and Perogie Lili.

As Christmas approaches, families across Canada are preparing for festive gatherings, warmth, and togetherness. But in Ukraine, the holiday season will be a very different story. Countless families will spend Christmas without electricity, without heat, and without the basic comforts we often take for granted. Because of relentless attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, millions of Ukrainian families are facing their third winter without power. As the harsh winter cold sets in, families will have to endure blackouts that could last for days. This isn’t just about missing holiday lights and Christmas movies—it’s about keeping children warm, cooking meals, and simply staying safe.

But you can make a real difference. This Christmas, we need your help to raise $600,000 for 50 Energy Units to bring electricity to essential infrastructure in Ukraine, such as healthcare facilities. Your donation, no matter the size, will directly impact Ukrainian hospitals by giving them the tools to survive the winter and uncertain power supply. You are not just a donor, you are a crucial part of this mission.

Thanks to the support of donors like you, we’ve reached about a quarter of our goal—but there’s still much more to do.

Please donate today to help us meet our goal of $600,000 and ensure that Ukrainians across the country are not left in the dark this season. Every contribution, big or small, will help us get closer to our goal and provide life-saving power where needed most.

Every donation made before December 27th to our CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal will automatically enter you into an exclusive draw for a chance to win some incredible prizes that will warm your heart this holiday season:

A $100 voucher to Perogie Lili, a beloved Ukrainian perogy (varenyk) counter-service restaurant in Montreal, where you can indulge in delicious, authentic Ukrainian flavours. Imagine treating your loved ones to a hearty Ukrainian meal this holiday season!

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.

We are grateful for your support! We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Zirkova Vodka and Perogie Lili for their initiatives and support of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Donate before December 27th and enter for your chance to win one of their fabulous prizes!


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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BRING LIGHT AND WARMTH TO UKRAINIANS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

As winter approaches, the situation in Ukraine grows increasingly dire. With Russian forces deliberately targeting critical infrastructure, the people of Ukraine are facing not only the devastating effects of war but also the unrelenting cold, blackouts, and a lack of access to essential services. Donors like you are at the forefront of keeping Ukrainians connected to power this winter season. Take advantage of the chance to win prizes from Perogie Lili and Zirkova Vodka if you donate before December 27!

This winter, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation is on the front lines of the battle to restore power where it’s needed most. Through our campaign “Let’s Power Up Ukraine Together!”, we are committed to bringing energy solutions to Ukraine—especially vulnerable healthcare facilities, to ensure that hospitals remain operational even when power grids are destroyed. In Ukraine, hospitals are often the last hope for survival. With daily blackouts caused by Russian missile strikes, many hospitals are unable to perform life-saving surgeries or care for their patients. This is especially true for hospitals in cities like Mykolaiv and Kherson, where ongoing attacks have crippled vital energy systems. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to make a significant impact.

Oleksandra Matviichuk, a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate who has been leading the effort to document Russia’s war crimes in Ukraine, faced complete blackouts at the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion. In her piece in The Hill, Matviichuk describes the brutal reality of winter for Ukrainians, which includes heavy unplowed snow, constant sub-zero temperatures, and a damaged power grid— eight power plants and more than 800 heat supply facilities have been purposely destroyed by Russia. Millions of Ukrainians will suffer from power cuts of up to 20 hours per day this winter.

Ukrainians cannot survive winter without heat. Without electricity or gas, a mother has no way to warm the milk for her newborn baby. Without an internet connection, a family has no way of making sure elderly family members are okay. Without heat, people will not be able to make it through the night when the temperature falls below freezing.” – Oleksandra Matviichuk

This winter, Ukrainians are counting on you. Your support for our energy campaign can help us deliver solar-powered generators to hospitals in need—ensuring that they have the electricity required to perform surgeries, provide emergency care, and keep patients warm during freezing temperatures. Ukrainian households will be able to keep their homes warm, and their families fed this cold winter season. It is already December and Ukraine is only going to get colder and snowier. Ukrainians are relying on the generosity of people like you to survive. Every donation, big or small, helps bring power to hospitals and warmth to families facing the unthinkable.

We thank you for your ongoing support and ask you to continue standing with Ukraine in this critical time. Together, we can ensure that Ukraine’s healthcare system remains strong and resilient, no matter the odds.

Thank you for being a beacon of hope for those in need.


THINKING OF HOSTING FUNDRAISERS IN 2025?

We want to thank communities across Canada who have been organizing fundraisers this year to support the work of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Third-party fundraisers in 2024 have raised thousands of dollars, with each dollar making a huge impact on the health, safety, and mental well-being of Ukrainians in this devastating war. We thank every school, church, community and generous people for hosting countless events this year and, through the spirit of Canadian unity, helping Ukrainians in need.

We would love to partner with you if you’re inspired to organize a fundraiser or community initiative! Please contact us at [email protected] to learn how to make a difference.


Background

CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The main efforts of cooperation are to provide humanitarian relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.

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FINAL CHANCE TO SEE GERDAN THEATRE IN CANADA

Use Exclusive Code CUF20 for a 20% Discount!

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the recent GERDAN Theatre concerts and participated in the fundraising auctions. Your generosity is deeply appreciated, and your support is helping us continue our vital work to support Ukraine during these challenging times. Thanks to your contributions, GERDAN has raised over $25,000!

These funds will directly support two CUF initiatives: the Canada-Ukraine Surgical Aid Program and Aid for Artists, which helps Ukrainian artists continue their work while facing tremendous hardships.

While we are grateful for all that we’ve achieved together so far, few more exciting performances are still on the horizon! GERDAN Theatre is bringing an exciting new format and a completely new Christmas program to the stage. They are preparing incredible shows filled with ancient Ukrainian carols and songs that preserve the spirit of a traditional Ukrainian Christmas. Return to your childhood as you sing along to familiar melodies, witness the traditional “Goat Leading” ritual, and let each song take you on a journey through time and space!

We encourage you to bring your friends and family to the next show in your city. The kids’ tickets are free for children up to 12 years old, making this a wonderful event for all ages. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this extraordinary experience and take advantage of 20% OFF when you buy your tickets today with code CUF20Get Tickets Here. 

Here’s a look at the upcoming concert dates: 

  • Dec 26 – Toronto
  • Dec 28 – London
  • Dec 29 – Oakville
  • Jan 1 – Nanaimo
  • Jan 4 – Calgary 

Your support means the world to us and to the people in Ukraine who are directly benefiting from these initiatives. We hope to see you at one of the upcoming performances, where you’ll enjoy an incredible evening of music and continue to make a real difference through your participation. Thank you to KAZKA Entertainment and Cobblestone Freeway Tours for organizing this incredible tour!


DONATE TO POWER UP UKRAINE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN

Don’t forget to take advantage of a one-of-a-kind opportunity to win unique prizes by donating to our CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal campaign to Power Up Ukraine! Those who donate before December 27th will automatically be entered into a draw to win a $100 voucher to Perogie Lili, a Ukrainian Perogies (varenyk) counter-service restaurant in Montreal, as well as a draw to win a one-of-a-kind Zirkova Vodka Tasting Experience hosted by CEO and Founder John Vellinga, as seen on Dragons Den!

We are grateful to Zirkova Vodka and Pergoie Lili for their initiatives and support of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

Don’t miss your chance! Donate for a chance to win these exclusive offerings!


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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GOAL TO RAISE $600,000 FOR 50 ENERGY UNITS

Donate between December 14 and December 27 for a chance to win exclusive prizes from Ukrainian Canadian businesses!

As Canada is settling in for the winter months, and many of us have experienced snow for the first time this season, it is essential to remember that Ukrainians are beginning to face below-zero temperatures, but without a reliable power supply for their homes, businesses and, crucially, to their medical facilities. The situation is urgent, and your support is needed now more than ever. On December 13 alone, Russia launched over 93 missiles and nearly 200 drones targeting critical centralized energy infrastructure, resulting in further damage to an already crippled system.

Despite Russia’s intentional targeting of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, Ukrainian medical workers are demonstrating incredible resilience and stamina by continuing to provide medical care under these circumstances. The power supply is least reliable in the frontline regions such as Kharkiv, Mykolayiv, and Kherson, where missile strikes are most frequent. Hospitals in these regions often experience power outages, which are impossible to predict. Their diesel-fueled backup generators, where available, typically require 15-30 minutes to switch over to restore power. This interval leaves hospitals vulnerable in critical areas such as operating rooms, ICUs, and blood storage units, where each minute is a question of life and death for many patients. These power outages also risk damage to sensitive medical equipment from power surges when electricity is restored.

СUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal is embarking on a program to provide hybrid solar-enabled backup generators to hospitals in these regions. These units provide an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) that switches to battery power within milliseconds of grid failure, allowing operations and life-sustaining equipment to continue uninterrupted. During extended outages, these units can be recharged from the power grid or via solar energy from special resilient portable tarps.

Your donation can make a significant difference. Between December 14th and December 27th, we need you to help us raise $600,000 to fund 50 hybrid backup generator systems for hospitals in these regions. These units will ensure reliable and uninterrupted power to critical departments like operation rooms, intensive care units, blood centres, and laboratories, saving lives and bringing hope to medical staff and the many vulnerable patients.


DONATE BETWEEN DECEMBER 14th and DECEMBER 27th TO AUTOMATICALLY ENTER A DRAW FOR EXCLUSIVE PRIZES!

Ukrainian Canadian businesses embody Ukraine’s resilience. By purchasing Ukrainian products this season, you are investing in Ukraine and its future. We appreciate the businesses that are taking action to support Ukrainian resistance.

If you are in Montreal, Quebec, visit Perogie Lili, a Ukrainian Perogies (varenyk) counter-service restaurant in the Mile End neighbourhood. Drop by for a varenyk of the month with caramelized cabbage and a cherry-based spiced non-alcoholic Glühwein. Since its opening in August, Perogie Lili’s team has donated 2% of its sales to the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, impacting Ukraine this winter. Those who donate to CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal between December 14th and December 27th will automatically be entered into the draw to win a $100 voucher to Perogie Lili. It’s a unique opportunity to support a great cause and enjoy varenyky!

Zirkova Vodka is a Ukrainian Canadian company and a proud supporter and champion of Ukraine, with a mission to put Ukraine on the map as the birthplace of vodka and bring the spirit of Ukraine to the world. In response to the invasion of Ukraine, Zirkova took immediate action, using its platform and its product to raise awareness and donating over $25,000 in profits to the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal to provide critical support.

The war has brought immense challenges for Zirkova and countless other Ukrainian businesses. You may have noticed Zirkova missing from shelves recently—this is a direct result of the disruptions to production and distribution. Despite these obstacles, Zirkova has remained committed to producing its Zirkova One and Together Vodkas in Ukraine and supporting the Ukrainian economy. They are now back in stock across Ontario LCBO stores for the holiday season. And here’s some more good news: Those who donate to the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal between December 14th and December 27th will automatically be entered into a draw to win a one-of-a-kind Zirkova Vodka Tasting Experience hosted by CEO and Founder John Vellinga, as seen on Dragons Den!  

To learn more about Zirkova Vodka, visit zirkova.com or the LCBO online store. Please enjoy responsibly.


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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SUPPORT THE MISSION TO KEEP UKRAINIAN HOSPITALS RESILIENT!

As Ukraine enters its third winter under the full-scale invasion, the power crisis caused by Russia’s targeted attacks continues to escalate, especially in the healthcare sector. Before Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s power sector was one of Europe’s most advanced and robust. Every corner of the country was ensured access to reliable electricity. But today, the situation is not as optimistic. Due to Russia’s relentless attacks on critical energy infrastructure—bombing power plants and launching cyberattacks—Ukraine’s available energy capacity has dropped by an alarming 85%. According to the Kyiv Independent, most of the country’s thermal and large hydroelectric power plants have been destroyed or damaged.  

Hospitals across the country are now facing the consequences of these attacks. Throughout Ukraine, healthcare workers report severe disruptions to medical care due to power outages, worsening the situation. One survey of over 2,000 healthcare workers in Ukraine, conducted by Physicians for Human Rights and Truth Hounds, revealed that an overwhelming 92.3% of respondents experienced power outages at their facilities due to these attacks. The impact on patient care has been profound. Respondents report facing delays in carrying out elective procedures, and life-saving surgeries have been postponed or interrupted mid-operation during bombings. Hospitals are having trouble maintaining essential systems like communication networks, heating, ventilation, and even diagnostic equipment, which all rely on steady electricity. 13.8% of healthcare workers responding to the survey reported that medications are spoiling, and biological samples are being lost due to power outages compromising their storage.  

A distressing consequence of these outages is the psychological toll on patients and staff alike. Patients across Ukraine are reportedly experiencing panic attacks and cardiac issues because of these blackouts—having to suffer not only from the physical wounds of Russia’s war but also from the constant anxiety of uncertain medical care. Meanwhile, over 80% of healthcare workers are battling burnout, stress, and exhaustion as they try to do their already tricky jobs without reliable access to power.

This is where we need your help— hospitals in Ukraine are relying on alternative energy sources to continue saving lives. That’s why the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has stepped in to provide portable solar and battery-powered generators to hospitals in critical need. These kits are helping to ensure that operating rooms stay lit, intensive care units remain functional, and essential equipment can continue to operate even during blackouts.

This past summer, with the support of generous donors like you, we delivered five solar generator kits from New Use Energy (NUE) to Mykolaiv. Dmytro Fedorenko, the Head of the Trauma Department, highlights the vital role these generators play in keeping the hospital running: “Given the nature of our work in the trauma department, we receive urgent patients who require immediate surgery and cannot wait for power to be restored. NUE generators are our dependable ‘friends’ as we connect our operating equipment and continue our work.” 

As we enter the harsh winter months, we are asking for your continued support. Your donation will ensure that hospitals across Ukraine can keep their lights on and their medical teams functioning, even in the face of this ongoing power and energy crisis. Your generosity will directly improve the ability of doctors and nurses to provide care to children and adults in critical condition, offering hope during one of the darkest times in Ukraine’s history. 


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.