Categories
Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Continues Support for Ukrainian People

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), is immensely grateful to all Canadians for their generous support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.


As Russia continues its vicious assault on Ukrainian civilians, indiscriminately shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities, the need for humanitarian aid grows every day.


Most recently Alberta Premier Jason Kenney announced a contribution of $5 million to the Humanitarian Appeal on behalf of the Province of Alberta in addition to $1M previously announced.

Early today, Orest Sklierenko, CUF President and CEO met with Premier Kenney in person to express his gratitude to the Government of Alberta and the people of Alberta for their support and to provide an update on the aid that has already been delivered to affected families in Ukraine and bordering countries.

“Canadians from coast to coast to coast are mobilizing in support of relief efforts for Ukraine. The kindness we have seen in the last weeks is both inspiring and overwhelming,” stated Orest Sklierenko, President and CEO of CUF. “Canada is truly united in support of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people!”


“The CUF/UCC Humanitarian Appeal has already delivered multiple tranches of aid, valued at over $2 million. Aid has been delivered wherever affected recipients are found, from heavily shelled areas in the north and east of the country, to areas in the west of Ukraine and in neighbouring countries where displaced families are in need of support.”


We are withholding more specific information due to security concerns. Subsequent tranches of support will follow in coming days as we monitor and confirm prior deliveries of support and assess the evolving needs, together with partners on the ground in all parts of Ukraine and its neighbours where help is required.


Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes.#HelpUkraineNow


Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made

through: www.cufoundation.ca  

For further information: [email protected]

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner. 

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Committee is established jointly by the two organizations to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis. 

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4). For further information: [email protected]

Categories
News Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical

Sanjha TV Telethon and Radiothon for Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), is immensely grateful to all Canadians for their generous support of humanitarian relief efforts in Ukraine.

As Russia continues its vicious assault on Ukrainian civilians, indiscriminately shelling and bombing Ukrainian cities, the need for humanitarian aid grows every day. On Monday we were honoured to participate in the Red FM and Sanjha TV South Asian Canadian Community’s Telethon and Radiothon, which raised at least $300,000 and more still coming. We’ll keep you updated on this outstanding fundraising efforts soon.

The CUF/UCC Humanitarian Appeal has already delivered two tranches of aid, totaling $1.62 million. Subsequent tranches of support will follow in coming days as we monitor and confirm prior deliveries of support and assess the evolving needs together with partners on the ground. We are withholding more specific information due to security concerns.

“In Russia’s attacks on Ukrainian cities and civilians – we see the depravity and evil of the Russian regime. In the bravery and unity of Ukrainians – and in the generosity, compassion, and charity of Canadians across the country – we see the best of humanity,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the UCC. “We are truly grateful to everyone for the immense support the Ukrainian people are receiving from Canadians during this difficult time. Thank you! Merci! Дякую!”

All donations, no matter how large or small, will help the people of Ukraine in their time of need!

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes.

#HelpUkraineNow

Your donation is needed to help support this important project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca  or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4).

For further information: [email protected].

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Committee is established jointly by the two organizations to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis.

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4). For further information: [email protected]

Categories
News Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical Uncategorized

Second aid provision, a further $1.07 million, sent to support Ukrainian population impacted by Russian attacks 

March 4, 2022. TORONTO/OTTAWA – Today, the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal announced a further $1,070,000 CAD of aid to be delivered early next week.

The UCC-CUF Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal had already deployed approximately $550,000 CAD to provide food packages, medicine and shelter.Today’s announcement brings that total to $1.62M CAD. Subsequent tranches of support will follow as we monitor and confirm prior deliveries of support, and assess the evolving needs.

Last week, Russia declared war on Ukraine. The Russian army has attacked military facilities, infrastructure and civilian targets. The WHO health cluster estimates that the number of affected people has climbed from 2.9 million a week ago, to almost 20 million today. As a result of this revised estimate, the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has increased its target to $25 million CAD.

Just yesterday Rawlco Radio, in partnership with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, UCC Saskatchewan Provincial Council and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), held a 12-hour Saskatchewan Day of Caring for Ukraine. In just 12 hours, the people of Saskatchewan pulled together and donated $1,020,125 to provide humanitarian assistance to refugees and those in Ukraine!

“We have been working over the past several months to identify partners on the ground in Ukraine and surrounding countries who will be able to deliver aid to the affected population,” said Victor Hetmanczuk, Acting Chair of CUF and Humanitarian Relief Committee lead. “As our partners for the first two tranches of aid deliver on their missions, we continue in our conversations with all our partners to plan for various potential scenarios.”

CUF is now also be lending its expertise in working with several independent initiatives across Canada and help with the logistics required to gather, coordinate and manage the delivery of dozens, if not hundreds, of pallets of donated medical supplies.

“There is a real human need for our members of the Ukrainian Canada community and the broader community, our friends all around us, to do everything we can to help the people of Ukraine at their time of need,” said Alexandra Chyczij, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “We will be reaching out through the UCC provincial councils in the coming weeks to ensure all donated items from schools, places of worship, businesses, organizations, and individuals have a way of getting to those who need them.”

The Appeal will also help fund the coordination and delivery of both the medical supplies and the donated items. An announcement will follow next week.

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes. #HelpUkraineNow.

Your donation is needed to help support this important project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4).

For further information: [email protected].

Background Information

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal – visit www.cufoundation.ca to donate now.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people. The appeal will work with established partners on the ground who have demonstrated the ability to deliver aid in a timely and effective manner.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee is established jointly by the two organizations to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by crisis.

As of March 4, 2022: The UCC-CUF Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has announced the deployment of $1.62M CAD for the provision of food packages, medicine and shelter. Subsequent tranches of support will follow as we monitor and confirm delivery of prior tranches of support and assess the evolving needs. Funds pledged to date add up to $7.5M CAD of the $25M CAD target.

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office (620 Spadina Ave, suite 200, Toronto, ON, M5S 2H4). For further information:  [email protected]

Canada-Ukraine Foundation

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) was established to coordinate, develop, organize, and deliver assistance projects generated by Canadians and directed to Ukraine. CUF was established as a national charitable foundation that would coordinate Canadian organizations that have projects across both Ukraine as well as Canada.

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s (CUF) Health Advisory Team (HAT) is the partner of choice for Ukrainian healthcare institutions, NGOs, and various levels of government health ministries to build capability and capacity within Ukrainian healthcare systems and communities. Through CUF-supported programs and projects, we promote health by enabling organizations, healthcare practitioners and advocates to improve the healthcare in the communities that they serve.

Ukrainian Canadian Congress

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) is the voice of Canada’s Ukrainian community.  The Congress brings together under one umbrella all the national, provincial and local Ukrainian Canadian organizations. Together with its member organizations, the UCC has been leading, coordinating and representing the interests of one of Canada’s largest ethnic communities (1.4 million) since 1940 and has been instrumental in shaping Canada’s social, economic and political landscape.

Categories
Uncategorized Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

Vitaliy Skakun Fund for Ukrainian Veterans’ Families

March 3, 2022. TORONTO/OTTAWA – Vitaliy Volodymyrovych Skakun (19 August 1996 – 24 February 2022) was a Ukrainian marine combat engineer born 19 August 1996 in Berezhany, Ternopilska Oblast, Ukraine.

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Skakun’s battalion was deployed to protect the town of Henichesk, located near the Isthmus of Perekop. As a Russian armoured column approached the position, Ukrainian forces decided to destroy the Henichesk bridge, in order to slow the advance of Russian troops advancing northward from Crimea in the Kherson offensive. Skakun, a combat engineer, volunteered to place mines on the bridge.

On 24 February 2022, after placing the explosives, Skakun lacked time to withdraw from the bridge and, after texting his intentions to his fellow soldiers, detonated the mines killing himself and destroying the bridge. His actions slowed the Russian advance allowing his battalion time to regroup.

Vitaliy Skakun
(19 August 1996 – 24 February 2022)
Hero of Ukraine

Vitaliy is survived by his mother, sister and family in Ukraine, Canada and U.S.A.

On 26 February 2022, Skakun was posthumously awarded the Order of the Gold Star, the military version of the title of Hero of Ukraine, by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

On 28 February 2022, the Czech representative of one of Prague’s city districts, Libor Bezděk, proposed to rename a bridge in Korunovační street, which is the address of the Russian embassy, to Vitaliy Skakun Bridge. The proposal was accepted by the district and was forwarded to Prague City Council.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation are proud to honour the memory of Vitaliy Skakun by establishing the Vitaliy Skakun Fund to assist the families of Ukrainian veterans. 

ВІЧНАЯ ПАМ’ЯТЬ! ГЕРОЇ НЕ ВМИРАЮТЬ!

Donations in memory of Vitaliy Skakun can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to the CUF office with the Vitaliy Skakun Fund in the memo line.

Categories
Uncategorized Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal To Send Opening Aid Provision

February 28, 2022. TORONTO/OTTAWA – Last week, Russia declared war on Ukraine. The Russian army has attacked military facilities, infrastructure and civilian targets. The WHO health cluster estimates that the number of affected people has climbed from 2.9 million a week ago, to over 18 million today.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is working with Ukrainian government ministries, who are in the best position to advise on the needs on the ground so that we can ensure that the donations we receive meet the needs of the Ukrainian people.

The UCC-CUF Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has already deployed approximately $500,000 CAD to provide food packages, medicine and shelter. Subsequent tranches of support will follow as we monitor delivery and needs.

 “As of 9:00 am EST on February 28, the Appeal has raised over $4 million from a broad base of supporters across Canada – provincial governments, family foundations, community organizations, credit unions, public and private companies, and thousands of individual donors,” said Orest Sklierenko, President and CEO of CUF. “I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from every corner of Canada, who share the horror of the war being waged by Russia against the Ukrainian people.”

“We are extremely grateful to all Canadians for their continued generosity and support at this time of need,” said Alexandra Chyczij, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “Putin must be held to account in the International Criminal Court of Justice where he should be tried for war crimes.”

Please donate to the appeal today to support millions of Ukrainian families who have been displaced from their homes. #HelpUkraineNow.

Your donation is needed to help support this important community project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office. For further information: [email protected].

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee has been established jointly by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The main efforts of cooperation are to provide humanitarian assistance/relief in the areas of Assistance to displaced persons, Medical care, Emergency Shelter and Food security.

As of Sunday, February 27, the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has raised over $3 million with widespread support from all parts of Canada, from friends of Ukraine from all sectors, including:

  • The provinces of Alberta ($1,000,000), Saskatchewan ($100,000), Manitoba ($150,000), Ontario ($300,000) and Nova Scotia ($100,000)
  • Family foundations and major donors led by the Temerty Family Foundation ($750,000)
  • Major Credit Unions across Canada, led by Ukrainian Credit Union ($100,000) and many other members of the Canadian Credit Union Association
  • Canadian businesses led by Chapman’s Ice Cream ($50,000) and many others
  • And thousands of Canadians from coast to coast
Categories
Uncategorized Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical News

Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal Update

February 24, 2022. TORONTO/OTTAWA – Today, Russia has declared war on Ukraine. The Russian army conducts military operations against the Ukrainian people, targeting several Ukrainian cities. There were reports of explosions in the capital Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, and many others.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal established by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) today announced a major update on its fundraising efforts to respond to the humanitarian crisis ensuing from the current Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Province of Alberta will donate $1 million toward humanitarian aid efforts in Ukraine as Russian aggression in the country escalates.

“The UCC and CUF are also pleased to announce that the Temerty Foundation has generously donated $750,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal,” said Orest Sklierenko, CUF’s President and CEO.

“We are extremely grateful to them for their generous contribution and ask all Canadians to join in our efforts to help people in Ukraine who have had to flee their homes,” said Alexandra Chyczij, President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

With the donation by the Province of Alberta and the Temerty Foundation, the Ukraine Appeal Fund has raised $2,390,000 to date. This includes a generous $100,000 contribution from the Province of Saskatchewan, $150,000 donation from the Province of Manitoba, $300,000 – from the Province of Ontario and many organizational and individual donors.

Members of the Ukrainian Canadian community, many of our friends and colleagues across Canada, community organizations, provincial governments and a major donor have responded to the appeal and helped us exceed the preliminary Phase I target of $1.5M.

 Today we are announcing a Phase II target of $5M aimed at continued supplies of food and medicine for displaced Ukrainians.

“In addition to streamlining the Canadian response, we are also encouraging other Ukrainian diaspora countries to do the same and assess how to best support Ukrainian people at this time of need,” – said Orest Sklierenko, CUF’s President and CEO.

Your donation is needed to help support this important community project!

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office.

 For further information: [email protected]

Background

The Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee has been established jointly by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The main efforts of cooperation are to provide humanitarian assistance/relief in the areas of Assistance to displaced persons, Medical care, Emergency Shelter and Food security.

Categories
News Civil Society Humanitarian/Medical Uncategorized

Ukrainian Women’s Organization National & Toronto Branch donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

TORONTO/OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) are pleased to announce that the Ukrainian Women’s Organization (UWOC) National and Toronto Branch, have generously donated $7,000 to the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The $7,000 donation consists of $5,000 from UWOC National and, $2,000 from the UWOC Toronto Branch.

“We are most grateful to the UWOC for their contribution to this important campaign,” stated Orest Sklierenko, President of the CUF.

The Ukrainian Women’s Organization of Canada, founded in 1930,  supports the democratic, economic, and social development of a free and independent Ukraine.

“The members of the UWOC are carrying on the tradition of their founders who were instrumental in providing essential aid and relief to Ukrainian refugees during World War II,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, President of UCC National.

The UHA will provide humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine, working with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by the crisis.

“Efforts will be focused on the provision of humanitarian assistance in the form of medical care, emergency shelter and food security to displaced persons,” stated Orest Sklierenko, President of the Canada Ukraine Foundation.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between UCC and CUF details a framework for mutual collaboration:

  • to work collaboratively on humanitarian assistance initiatives directed towards Ukraine, facilitating uniform and coordinated action between the UCC and CUF, its branches, and members, while building on the recognized expertise, experience, and resources of each organization;
  • to develop projects that will combine the subject matter and implementation experience of CUF with the expertise of UCC in uniting the Ukrainian Canadian community;
  • to offer donors and other stakeholders an opportunity to make contributions and receive reports through a single channel; and
  • to adopt a coordinated approach in collaboration with donors and other stakeholders who wish to support people in Ukraine affected by crisis.

The main efforts of cooperation will be to provide humanitarian assistance/relief in the areas of Assistance to displaced persons, Medical care, Emergency Shelter and Food security. The roles and responsibilities of UCC and CUF are detailed in the MOA, including financial accountability, reporting requirements and overall transparency to the Ukrainian Canadian community.

Categories
Humanitarian/Medical Civil Society News

CUF-UCC UKRAINE HUMANITARIAN APPEAL

Ukrainian Canadian Leadership Establishes Humanitarian Relief Hub in Preparation for Further Russian Invasion

TORONTO/OTTAWA – The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) today announced the establishment of a Humanitarian Relief Committee in preparation of a humanitarian crisis ensuing from further Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Committee is established jointly by the two organizations to formalize a coordinated approach in providing humanitarian assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia. The committee will work with the Ukrainian Canadian community across Canada to reduce duplication of effort, increase efficiency and ensure aid efforts have the most effective impact for Ukrainian citizens affected by crisis.

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between UCC and CUF details a framework for mutual collaboration. The MOA’s main purpose and scope is as follows:

  • to work collaboratively on humanitarian assistance initiatives directed towards Ukraine, facilitating uniform and coordinated action between the UCC and CUF, its branches, and members, while building on the recognized expertise, experience, and resources of each organization;
  • to develop projects that will combine the subject matter and implementation experience of CUF with the expertise of UCC in uniting the Ukrainian Canadian community;
  • to offer donors and other stakeholders an opportunity to make contributions and receive reports through a single channel; and
  • to adopt a coordinated approach in collaboration with donors and other stakeholders who wish to support people in Ukraine affected by crisis.

The main efforts of cooperation will be to provide humanitarian assistance/relief in the areas of Assistance to displaced persons, Medical care, Emergency shelter and Food security. The roles and responsibilities of UCC and CUF are detailed in the MOA, including financial accountability, reporting requirements and overall transparency to the Ukrainian Canadian community.

The members of the committee are:

  • Victor Hetmanczuk – Chair
  • Oksana Kuzyshyn – Vice-Chair
  • Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz – Secretary
  • Anna Kuprieieva – Member

“The Ukrainian Canadian community is extremely concerned about the ongoing escalation of Russian aggression on Ukraine’s borders. As Canadians, we stand with the Ukrainian people, and their right to enjoy freedom, democracy, and live in a safe and secure independent state,” stated Alexandra Chyczij, National President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.  

“For almost three decades, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation has helped coordinate and deliver humanitarian aid to Ukraine as it makes strides to grow its democracy towards economic prosperity and freedom,” added Orest Sklierenko, CUF’s President and CEO. “Our foundation was created to help in times of need; with the continued aggression and interference from the Putin regime, we are turning to all Canadians to help support this vital humanitarian work.”

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress brings together under one umbrella all the national, provincial and local Ukrainian Canadian organizations.  The Canada-Ukraine Foundation was formed in order to coordinate, develop, organize and deliver assistance projects generated by Canadians and directed to Ukraine.

Donations in support of humanitarian relief can be made through: www.cufoundation.ca or by sending a cheque to CUF office.

For further information:  [email protected]

Categories
Uncategorized Community/Education Humanitarian/Medical News

News from Dzherelo Children’s Rehabilitation Centre

Dzherelo Children’s Rehabilitation Centre in Lviv, Ukraine has been operating differently since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, yet it continues to meet the children’s needs and many new challenges.

Much is happening: in-person services and programs are undertaken with safety protocols in place, as well as online support and instruction/education for parents, children, and youth. A home visits program for Early Intervention services was initiated. As a result, two more Dzherelo community branches opened for children and youth, and two more outreach branches are being planned. Professional development for staff was undertaken, where video interaction supervisors were trained and certified. In addition, Dzherelo Centre continues to share its knowledge and experience with teams from other cities in Ukraine, such as Vinnytsia. Dzherelo was recently recognized for its innovations and is partnering with UNESCO to expand their unique communication program through different parts of the country. Dzherelo is in the final stages of a significant structural renovations project that included the modernization of systems in the original Dzherelo building, which were showing signs of deterioration.


One cannot overstate the importance of all the valuable support Dzherelo has received from Canada since its inception in 1993, including the four tireless co-founders, consultants for organizational development, as well as architectural and construction consultants. Canadian Armed Forces continue to volunteer and provide financial support. And volunteers from Friends of Dzherelo in Toronto provide awareness and fundraising. For all this Dzherelo is truly grateful!


This past September, these same volunteer Friends of Dzherelo raised funds through their “Mira’s Treasures Pop-Up Sale” event. They brought over two hundred participants to the Plast Huculak Centre in Toronto to donate and buy various pre-loved personal objects, clothing, books, and jewelry.

The Director of Dzherelo Centre, Zoreslava Liulchak, writes:
“In order to keep Dzherelo a valuable and unique organization, there is a great need for us to share our commitment to improve the quality of life for all our chil-dren. Dzherelo thanks you and all their many supporters for their help.”


The Directors and supporters of Dzherelo Centre are dreaming BIG; they wish to expand their unique network of services in Ukraine. Two more satellite branches are planned (no.7 & no.8) in Lviv, plus a first-in-Ukraine “Supported Living Residence” for young people and assistants. They wish to spread expertise on alternative and supportive methods of communication for children with disabilities to other parts of Ukraine.

 

Categories
Uncategorized Civil Society Community/Education Humanitarian/Medical News

CUF President announces inaugural members of CUF Advisory Council

CUF leadership has recognized that we have individuals in Canada, Ukraine and other parts of the world who can be resources to CUF without formally joining its board. We have had guest members on some of our committees and this continues to this day. To build on our depth of understanding in the various areas of our program and project work, the CUF board recently approved the creation of an advisory council, to “provide strategic and other sector specific advice to the President, the Board, the Executive and other Board Committees of CUF on matters and areas of activity undertaken by CUF.” From time to time, we will announce new advisory council members to support CUF priorities.
Today, I am delighted to announce the inaugural members of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation Advisory Council. They are subject matter experts, leaders and influencers in their respective fields, and our board and committees look forward to acquiring guidance and inspiration in their areas of expertise, as well as augmenting our youth engagement and succession planning capabilities.

Education Advisory Council

Sergiy Kvit, an expert and a commentator on educational issues, currently is the Head of the National Agency for Higher Education Quality Assurance and a professor of Kyiv-Mohyla School of Journalism. In 2002-07, he was a Dean of the Faculty of Social Studies Faculty at the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy. He founded the Kyiv-Mohyla School of Journalism in 2001 and became a President of the Media Reform Centre, set up to initiate open debate and promote more transparent media and government. In 2005-2011, he was a Chairman of the Consortium of University Autonomy. He has been rector (president) of the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy from 2007 until 2014. Serhiy Kvit occupied the position of the Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine in 2014-2016 when progressive Laws “On Higher Education” (2014) and “On Scientific and Scientific-Technical Activity” (On Science and Research, 2015) were adopted. In 2015, Sergiy Kvit signed an agreement that allowed Ukrainian scientists and businesses to fully participate in Horizon 2020 (H2020), the European Union’s flagship research program. Dr. Kvit’s research focuses on educational and media reforms, mass communications, and philosophical hermeneutics; he has published several books and numerous articles. He has a Ph.D. from the Ukrainian Free University (Germany) and a doctorate in philology. He held Fulbright scholarship at Ohio University and Stanford University, Kennan Institute scholarship at the Woodrow Wilson International Centre in Washington, DC and a DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) scholarship at the University of Cologne.

Anna Novosad, served as Minister of Education and Science of Ukraine from August 2019 till March 2020. On her position managed to roll out systemic reform of higher education funding and governance, and successfully lobbied for endorsement of the new Law on general secondary education, which allowed to continue the general school reform. Prior to the Ministerial post Anna held different positions at the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine. At various times she served as a counsellor to the Minister, head of international relations and head of strategic planning and European integration, where she expanded the EU-Ukraine cooperation in science and education and accomplished the Ukraine’s association to the Horizon 2020 program. Anna joined the public service in 2014, after the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity. In 2019 was elected as a member of Ukrainian Parliament. Currently remains in education sector in expert role. Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary Program 2013 alumni. US State Department Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program fellow 2021-2022. Holds MA degree in Analyzing Europe from the Maastricht University, the Netherlands, and BA degree in Political Science from the Kyiv-Mohyla Academy in Ukraine.

Healthcare Advisory Council

Dr. Oleh Antonyshyn is a Professor in the Division of Plastic Surgery at the University of Toronto, with a subspecialty practice in craniomaxillofacial surgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of Toronto in 1980, and completed his surgical residency at the University of Western Ontario in 1985. Following his certification in Plastic Surgery, he pursued an additional 4 years of subspecialty fellowship training in craniofacial surgery including a traveling fellowship in Europe and Mexico City. Dr Antonyshyn began his clinical practice in The Division of Plastic Surgery at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia in 1989, where he established a pediatric and adult craniofacial program. In 1992, he assumed the position of Head, Division of Plastic Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and in 1996, established the Adult Craniofacial Program to address the specific needs of adult patients with post-traumatic and post-ablative craniofacial deformities. Dr. Antonyshyn is an Associate Scientist, Imaging and Trauma Research at Sunnybrook Research Institute. His research focus is in 3D craniofacial computer assisted modeling and design. He is a cofounder and partner in a surgical device startup company called Calavera Surgical Design. Dr Antonyshyn is actively engaged in humanitarian surgery initiatives and global surgery education. April 2014, he travelled to Ukraine as part of a Medical Needs Assessment team to assess the capacity to manage trauma following Maidan. Since then, he has led 6 Canadian surgical missions to Ukraine, to teach and perform reconstructive procedures in both civilian and military war casualties. Feb 2016, he received the Order of Merit from the president of Ukraine, and Nov 2018, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada for his efforts. January 2019 Dr Antonyshyn launched the Sunnybrook Ukraine Surgery Education Partnership.

Youth Engagement Advisory Council

Roman Grod is the Past President of SUSK and the Vice President of the World Congress of Ukrainian Youth Organizations. Roman holds a degree in Economics from Wilfred Laurier University and is currently employed as the Lead Analyst, Canadian Markets at Rodan Energy Solutions a leading North American energy management company. Prior to his current role Roman served on the SUSK board of directors for 4 years, as Alumni Director, Treasurer, and for his last two years as President. Roman’s key highlights as president were the launch of SUSK Connect, global education on the current situation in Ukraine, continuing to grow the SUSK endowment, national Holodomor advocacy, creating a space for Ukrainian Students across the country to get involved and much more. In 2021 Roman was nominated as one of the top 30under30, which recognized emerging Ukrainian diaspora youth leaders under 30.