This coming February will mark four years since everything changed in Ukraine. Dana Bagan, a member of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s Board and Chair of our Health Advisory Committee, remembers those tense weeks in early 2022 vividly—watching the news, reading intelligence reports, seeing the signs that others hoped would disappear. While the world debated whether Russia would actually launch a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, our team at the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress did something that would soon matter more than we ever imagined. That January, we set up the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. We hoped for the best, but prepared for the worst.
What we’ll never forget is how Canadians responded.
We invite you to watch Dana’s holiday message:
Ukrainian communities rallied across the country, as they always do. Major donors stepped forward with incredible generosity. But what moved us most deeply were the thousands of Canadians with no connection to Ukraine who simply asked, “How can I help?” A retired teacher’s pension cheque. Elementary school fundraising concerts. Benefit hockey games and community events in small towns. Canadians didn’t just donate—we were all reminded what Canada truly stands for.
Thanks to donors to the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, we’ve been able to deliver urgent aid at a scale we never imagined possible, partnering with trusted organizations who know exactly where help is needed most in Ukraine. Your compassion changed everything.
Until January 12, you can double your impact! The Myhal Family Foundation will match every dollar you donate to our Holiday Campaign, up to $1,000,000.
And when you give between December 20–31 to the Holiday Campaign, your generosity will not only bring help to Ukraine, but a little holiday magic could come back to you! As a thank-you, two donors will receive a holiday gift offered by our generous partners, Meest Canada and Zirkova.
This winter, Ukraine still needs us. Still needs you. Bring hope and relief this holiday season.
To donate to our Holiday Campaign using AMEX, PayPal, or Google Pay, please visit our CanadaHelps page.
About the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
Launched in January 2022 as a joint initiative of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal (UHA) coordinates the efficient delivery of humanitarian aid in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Its efforts support displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter, and food security—both within Ukraine and among those who have sought refuge elsewhere in Europe and in Canada. To date, UHA has provided close to $100 million in humanitarian aid, reaching over 6 million people through 300+ projects.
About the Canada-Ukraine Foundation
Founded in 1995 during the 18th Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) was established to coordinate, develop, and deliver humanitarian assistance from Canadians to Ukraine. CUF continues to play a vital role as a national charitable foundation, working to monitor, promote, and support humanitarian aid initiatives. Its mission includes evaluating projects, fostering collaboration among aid providers, setting strategic priorities, and ensuring resources are directed where they can have the greatest impact. CUF also serves as a forum for individuals and organizations—across community, private, and public sectors—committed to supporting Ukraine. In addition to its work abroad, CUF also supports related initiatives within Canada.