City Offers Options for Residents to Support Ukraine
Canada has one of the largest populations of Ukrainian citizens outside Ukraine. In 2016, there were almost 1.5 million persons of full or partial Ukrainian origin residing in Canada, making them Canada's 11th largest cultural group and giving Canada the world's third-largest Ukrainian population outside of Ukraine itself and Russia. In Windsor and Essex County, almost 10,000 of our fellow residents are from Ukraine.
With this in mind, the City of Windsor began to fly the Ukrainian flag at Charles Clark Square last week and illuminated City Hall in blue and yellow – the colours of the Ukrainian flag.
“The human tragedy unfolding right now in Ukraine reminds us all about the tremendous privileges of peace and freedom we share as Canadians,” said Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens. “As individual residents, we are appalled by what we see occurring and ask, What can we do? The City of Windsor has compiled an initial list of organizations soliciting donations to support families in Ukraine.”
The following list is not exhaustive, but rather a starting point for anyone interested in donating. The City of Windsor is not affiliated with any individual organizations, nor is it collecting financial or other types of donations on behalf of these organizations. Residents should contact their organization of choice directly.
Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal (or call 1-800-418-1111) The Canadian Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are collecting funds to help with immediate and ongoing relief efforts in Ukraine. The Government of Canada has pledged to match dollar for dollar donations made by individual Canadians to the Red Cross until March 18, 2022. UNICEF is responding to the escalating need in Ukraine by providing communities with safe water; urgent medical aid and health care services. Canada Helps: Collection of charities providing urgent aid in Ukraine. Help Us Help works with established networks on the ground to distribute supplies to those who need it most. Global Medic provides disaster relief and life-saving humanitarian aid. Donations will go to support those exiting Ukraine into neighbouring countries. Ukrainian World Congress (UWC): The UWC works with the government of Ukraine, international governments and organizations to support Ukrainians with donations for humanitarian initiatives.