The Canada-Ukraine Foundation and Save Ukraine announce a unique collaboration to fund programs targeted toward the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia, as well as rehabilitation services for the returned children who endured sexual exploitation and abuse in Russia’s captivity.
The ongoing war in Ukraine has created a humanitarian crisis that is difficult to comprehend fully. Among the most vulnerable are Ukrainian children, an estimated 1.5 million of which are at risk of having their identities and futures erased by the Russian forces invading their homeland. Approximately 744,000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly relocated to Russia so far, and only about 20,000 of them have been documented and identified.
Save Ukraine has stepped up to meet this unprecedented crisis and has successfully returned more than 70% of the children who have been rescued from Russian captivity. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, the organization has developed a robust system for identifying, locating, rescuing and rehabilitating children abducted by Russian forces, with over 520 children—119 of whom are orphans—already returned safely to Ukraine. These children have endured unspeakable horrors, and many have survived sexual exploitation and abuse, leaving them in need of immediate and comprehensive rehabilitation.
At the start of the full-scale invasion, Ilona’s home was invaded by Russian troops, which carried out horrific interrogations. In them, she witnessed life-threatening tactics, from physical beatings to being made to hold a live grenade. Soon after, she was taken to Stavropol, Russia, where she was cut off from her family, issued false documents, and forced to work for 2.5 years. After turning to Save Ukraine for help, Ilona was returned to her family in Ukraine.
Join us in the important work of bringing Ukrainian children back from Russian captivity. Your donation, no matter the amount, is a direct contribution towards reuniting a child with their family and restoring their Ukrainian identity. These children, some as young as toddlers, have only known fear and loss. Your support can help create a future where they can once again feel the love of their families, speak their language, and embrace their heritage.
AUCTION FOR THE CHILDREN OF UKRAINE
Don’t miss an exciting opportunity to take home exclusive items and experiences by participating in the Auction for the Children of Ukraine. This event will give Canadians a chance to start Christmas shopping while supporting CUF’s many initiatives targeted at supporting essential services for Ukrainian children during this war. Bidding begins on November 7th!
Background
Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) – founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.