The halls of Toronto’s Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Catholic School glowed with more than holiday decorations last month. During Giving Tuesday on December 2, students launched Be the Light, a fundraiser supporting the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s Holiday Campaign.
The campaign’s name carried profound meaning. With Ukraine’s power grid under constant assault, leaving millions in darkness during the coldest months, these students recognized that bringing light meant more than electricity. It meant bringing hope, safety, and showing Ukrainians they haven’t been forgotten.
JCS students transformed their school into a hub of compassion and action, creating posters, making daily announcements, and working tirelessly to ensure their community understood what Ukrainians are facing. Every $200 raised lit up another light bulb on the school’s display, creating a visual reminder that even small actions can pierce the darkness.
Their efforts culminated at the Christmas concert, complete with a silent auction and bake sale, with every dollar going toward generators and critical supplies for Ukraine.
We invite you to watch their story.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is that it represents the school’s continued commitment since the war began: Be the Light is their fourth fundraiser for Ukraine, demonstrating that their compassion hasn’t wavered.
The students’ dedication has helped raise close to $20,000, becoming a powerful learning experience, connecting them to Ukrainian culture, helping them understand the realities of war, and showing them what it means to be part of a global community. Through their actions, these students proved that even from thousands of miles away, young people can make a real difference.
Their light is shining bright!
There’s still time to donate to the Holiday Campaign and support the CUF–UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, our joint initiative with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
Until January 12, every donation can make winter in Ukraine a little bit warmer… and brighter.
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.