Like you, I've been glued to the tv, social media accounts and news websites that are reporting on the evolving events in Ukraine. I think about the sacrifices of my family members who went through WWII and watch in horror as the Russian leader wreaks havoc on the region once again.
Both sides of my family come from western Ukraine, in rural areas of Ternopil. One side came to Canada in the late 1800's and were homesteaders in Western Manitoba. The other side came to Canada in the late 1940's when Canada introduced the Sponsorship program.
I mention this because above all the real-time events being reported, I'm focused on the humanitarian side of this crisis.
I'd like to use this space to post some of the humanitarian agencies who are on the ground helping Ukrainians escape and cope. I know the list out there is extensive, so I will continue to add links as I find them. I'll also include some twitter accounts I am following for real time updates.
Ways to Donate
Medical Mercy Canada
Doctors Without Borders
Although MSF remains present in Ukraine for now, we had to make the painful decision to halt our normal activities. Our medical projects included HIV care in Severodonetsk, TB care in Zhytomyr, and improving health care access in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, where we have been providing much needed health care to conflict-affected communities. While routine programs have now mostly stopped, we did all that we could to ensure some continuity of care for our patients.
Armed Forces of Ukraine
Polish Medical Mission
The collected funds will be used to provide quick medical support and purchase the necessary medical supplies and will be transferred to the local aid organization. If the conflict continues to develop, the number of people in need of urgent assistance may exceed the figure of 2015, when violence in the country escalated. We are ready to start an urgent relief mission in Ukraine.
Ukrainian Women Veteran Movement
A female veteran group who prepare for emergencies and defense situations.
Voices of Children
With your help, we give psychological and psychosocial support to children who suffered as a result of war operations. It helps them to win the consequences of the war and develop themselves. We also help families to cope with everyday difficulties, treatment and rehabilitation of children, giving an individual support.
They assist children by providing art therapy, psychosocial support, summer camp and psychological services.
Social Media Accounts
A London Connection
In the St. James Church in Sussex Gardens, there is a stained glass window (image above) that was donated by the Ukrainian Canadian community. During World War II Ukrainian Canadians began a Serviceman's Association in the vicarage. After the war ended, most men and women went home, but a few elected to stay behind, helping displaced Ukrainians. The headquarters for the Association was next door to the church.
It was a place for people to gather, read, heal and research while they waited for their new beginnings. You can read more about them here.
I bring this place up because it was ground zero for those displaced Ukrainians who needed refuge. Ukrainians are a strong group of people and I hope we can all show them that we will be there when they need refuge again.
Photo above from Youtube
Thank you for this good work and for noting the presence of the "Heroes of their Day" window, commemorating the service and sacrifices of Ukrainians from Canada, the USA and Poland, who stood with Great Britain in defence of freedom and democracy. Today the UK has been one of the most stalwart supporters of embattled Ukraine. Stand with Ukraine! against Russian aggression.
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