Volunteers with the Second Front Ukraine Foundation hold first aid kits that will be distributed to civilians in Ukraine, at their warehouse in Vaughan, Ont., on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Ukrainian Canadian organizations working to support those affected by the war in Ukraine say they raised $52 million for aid efforts last year and are calling on Canadians to continue their support as the conflict enters a second year. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin
TORONTO – Ukrainian Canadian organizations say they raised $52 million for aid efforts last year and are calling on Canadians to continue their support as the war in Ukraine enters a second year.
Victor Hetmanczuk, the chair of the Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee, says the funds raised last year came from 72,000 donors in Canada.
Alexandra Chyjiz, president of Ukrainian Canadian Congress, says her organization and those she works with are grateful for the support from Canadians.
She says the funds raised have gone to support those affected by the war in Ukraine as well as those who’ve fled the conflict and come to Canada.
Chyjiz says continued support from Canadians is needed as there’s currently no indication when the war might end.
Rahul Singh, executive director of Global Medic, says Russian attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine have left people without power, heating and clean drinking water.
He says 18 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, a number he says is “incredibly high.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 22, 2023.
