Category: News

Today marks the final day of our CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal’s “Even the Brave Struggle” campaign. The clock is ticking. As midnight approaches, we urgently need your support to reach our goal and maximize the Myhal Family Foundation’s generous matching pledge of up to $1 million.

Behind every statistic is a face, a name, a life forever altered. Due to Russian aggression, Inna, who once walked through the world as a journalist and educator, now carries the weight of her service as a combat medic in places like Bakhmut and Soledar—places where humanity is tested beyond measure. With a gunshot wound to her neck and the invisible scars of trauma, she fights a different battle now.

And Alla, whose spirit remained unbroken through eight months and eleven days of Russian captivity, returned only to face the war that continues within. These are not just stories—they are lives hanging in the balance, waiting for the healing that your compassion can provide.

“War is not hell. War is living hell,” General Romeo Dallaire’s words echo with devastating truth.

Having witnessed the Ukrainian frontlines firsthand, he saw a nation where buildings crumble, but spirits stand tall. Yet this resilience exacts a terrible price. In the silence between explosions, the battle for the mind rages on. With 60-80% of those who witness battlefield deaths developing acute trauma, and just one mental health professional for every 400-500 service members, thousands face their darkest moments alone.

Canada has always been a beacon of hope in Ukraine’s darkest hour. Today, that beacon must shine brighter than ever. Your gift isn’t just money—it’s a lifeline thrown across an ocean. Each dollar until midnight will be instantly doubled, transforming your act of compassion into twice the impact, twice the healing, twice the hope. As a special thank you, all donations made by tonight will automatically enter you into our draw to win one of two exclusive signed copies of Dallaire’s “Shake Hands with the Devil” – one copy in English and one in French. Like Dallaire, we must not turn away from difficult truths.

By standing with Ukraine, we honor the brave who struggle and affirm that hope can persist even in humanity’s darkest hours.

This extraordinary opportunity to have your donation matched will end in just a few hours. Whether you can give $25, $100, or $1,000, your contribution matters immensely. Please don’t wait—donate now to ensure Ukrainians don’t face their internal battles alone.

Background

CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) 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 relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.

Donate to Mental Health & Rehabilitation for Ukraine’s Defenders 

Behind every physical wound inflicted by Russia’s brutal and unprovoked invasion lies an equally challenging mental health battle. As Ukraine continues to defend its freedom against relentless Russian aggression, wounded veterans face not just the physical challenges of recovery, but profound psychological hurdles resulting from the trauma of fighting against a violent occupying force. The comprehensive rehabilitation programs provided by CITIZEN Charity Foundation, a valued partner of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, address these intertwined needs through their innovative approach to healing both body and mind.

The CITIZEN Charity Foundation was recently honored with the prestigious “VARTI” award from Nova Poshta, recognizing their exceptional work supporting service members wounded while defending their homeland from Russia’s continued attacks. With CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal’s support of their “Rehabilitation of Cyborg Veterans” project, CITIZEN’s integrated rehabilitation model has shown remarkable impact in just three months, serving 77 individuals including 68 wounded veterans and 9 family members. Their comprehensive care encompasses hundreds of physical rehabilitation sessions, physiotherapy procedures, therapeutic massages, and critically important sessions with military psychologists who understand the unique mental health challenges faced by those who have endured the horrors of Russia’s war against Ukraine.

Medical experts have issued concerning projections that by 2025, nearly half of Ukraine’s population may face mental health challenges related to Russia’s ongoing war of aggression. This makes CITIZEN’s holistic rehabilitation model even more crucial, as it provides vital psychological support alongside physical therapy, addressing the complete spectrum of recovery needs that wounded defenders face. The program recognizes that healing the invisible wounds inflicted by Russian violence is often as important as treating physical injuries.

The inspiring story of Volodymyr Malykhin exemplifies the program’s transformative impact. After losing his own limb in combat against Russian forces, Volodymyr found purpose in his recovery journey and now serves as a rehabilitation specialist within the program. He offers both professional expertise and powerful peer support that resonates deeply with newly wounded defenders. For those beginning their difficult path to recovery from injuries sustained while defending against the Russian invasion, seeing Volodymyr’s successful rehabilitation provides tangible hope that an active, fulfilling life remains possible despite life-altering injuries.

Time is running out to maximize your impact through the generous matching grant opportunity. The Myhal Family Foundation is matching all donations up to $1 million, but this opportunity ends in just 5 days on April 6th. Your contribution now will have double the impact in expanding critical mental health and rehabilitation services across Ukraine when they are needed most.

As an added bonus, all donors will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of two signed copies of General Roméo Dallaire’s powerful and moving book “Shake Hands with the Devil.” As Russia intensifies its assault, more Ukrainian defenders require the complex, long-term rehabilitation support for both body and mind that programs like CITIZEN’s provide so effectively with CUF’s continued support.

Background

CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) 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 relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.

The invisible wounds of war run deeper than we can see.

Just last week, Russian missiles struck a residential area in Sumy, Ukraine, injuring 88 people, including 17 children and a pregnant woman. The attack damaged homes, a hospital, and children’s facilities in a densely populated area. Despite Putin’s hollow promises to halt attacks on energy infrastructure, the brutal assault on civilian targets continues. This is the harsh reality Ukrainians face every day. 

Behind these devastating statistics are real people—mothers, fathers, children, and the brave defenders who rush to save them. While buildings can be rebuilt, the psychological trauma inflicted by years of brutal warfare leaves scars that often remain hidden.

Ukrainian veterans are returning home carrying not only the visible wounds of battle but also the invisible weight of psychological trauma. After witnessing unimaginable horrors, many struggle with post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety that make the transition to civilian life overwhelmingly difficult. The brave men and women who protect their homeland also face another battle – one that takes place within their minds. This is why we’ve launched the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal “Even the Brave Struggle” campaign, dedicated to delivering comprehensive mental health support to Ukrainian veterans and civilians through psychological care, rehabilitation services, and humanitarian aid. No one should have to face their internal battles alone.

Until April 6th, the Myhal Family Foundation is generously matching all donations up to $1 million. This means your contribution will go twice as far in helping Ukrainian veterans receive the specialized care they desperately need. As a special thank you, all donations made before April 6th will automatically enter you into a draw to win one of two signed copies of General Roméo Dallaire’s powerful memoir, “Shake Hands with the Devil.” 

The time to act is now. Together, we can provide Ukrainian veterans and civilians with the support they need to heal both their visible and invisible wounds of war.

Background

CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) 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 relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.

Donate for a chance to win an exclusive copy of “Shake Hands with the Devil” signed by Roméo Dallaire  

In his haunting memoir “Shake Hands with the Devil,” General Roméo Dallaire bears witness to some of humanity’s darkest moments during the Rwandan genocide. His powerful testimony reminds us that even the bravest among us struggle when confronted with the horrors of war and the weight of human suffering. Today, we see similar courage in Ukraine, where ordinary citizens face extraordinary challenges in the wake of Russia’s brutal and unprovoked aggression. Like the stories documented in Dallaire’s book, the Ukrainian people’s resolve in the face of violence speaks to the resilience of the human spirit when confronted by those who would destroy it.

The CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal continues to provide critical support to those affected by Russia’s violence. Your donation to our “Even the Brave Struggle” campaign directly helps provide crucial mental health support to the brave veterans whose lives have been upended by this unjust invasion. Veterans like Gen. Dallaire know exactly how important it is to support the mental wellbeing of the defenders who witness unimaginable horrors.

As a special thank you, all donations made before April 6 will automatically enter you into our draw to win one of two exclusive signed copies of Dallaire’s “Shake Hands with the Devil“ – one copy in English and one in French. Like Dallaire, we must not turn away from difficult truths. By standing with Ukraine, we honor the brave who struggle and affirm that hope can persist even in humanity’s darkest hours.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to double your impact–donate to “Even the Brave Struggle” today.

Background

CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) 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 relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.

Donate for a chance to win an exclusive copy of “Shake Hands with the Devil” signed by Roméo Dallaire 

“Ukraine is, first of all, my home. It is my family. It is my childhood,” says Inna, a Ukrainian veteran whose courage embodies her nation’s spirit. Her words capture the profound connection Ukrainians feel to their homeland – a connection that remains unbroken despite the devastation of war.   

Since Russia launched its brutal invasion, shattering the peace of Ukrainian skies, countless lives have been forever changed. For Inna, Ukraine is “incredibly beautiful, multifaceted, blooming, special.” Yet today, she witnesses it transformed: “A nation that is suffering. People that are being killed.” This heartbreaking reality faces Ukrainians daily – not just a fight for territory, but a desperate struggle to preserve their identity and culture that stretches back centuries.

When darkness threatens to overwhelm, Canada’s steadfast support shines as a beacon of hope. As the war continues, Inna extends her appreciation to the Ukrainian diaspora in Canada, “which has supported us and helped with volunteering when we needed it.” Yet she also makes a poignant plea: “I just hope your strength and your support will not fade. Because they are some of the most significant ones.” In a world where attention shifts quickly from crisis to crisis, we must not forget that Ukraine’s fight continues.  

Today, we ask you to stand with Ukraine through our CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal’s “Even the Brave Struggle” campaign. Your donation, which will be generously matched up to $1 million by the Myhal Family Foundation, provides vital assistance to those who have sacrificed everything. Veterans like Inna continue to serve their country even as they process their own trauma and loss. Donating between today and April 6th will automatically enter you in a draw to win an exclusive signed book, “Shake Hands with the Devil”, courtesy of General Roméo Dallaire. Donate now to double your impact and seize this limited-time opportunity. 

Background

CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) 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 relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.

As Russia’s brutal invasion of Ukraine continues into its fourth year, causing global chaos, the psychological toll on Ukrainians has reached staggering proportions. As General Romeo Dallaire powerfully observed after visiting Ukraine’s front lines, “War is not hell. War is living hell.” He witnessed firsthand “the horrors of war, destruction of an infrastructure of a nation, but not the destruction of the resiliency of a nation.” This resilience, however, comes at an enormous cost to mental health.

Your contribution to CUF-UCC Even the Brave Struggle campaign is now more crucial than ever. As we navigate these challenging global circumstances together, your support offers one of the most meaningful ways to transform uncertainty into action and hope.

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the Myhal Family Foundation’s matching pledge, every dollar donated up to $1 million until April 6th will be doubled, amplifying your impact during this critical time. With 60-80% of Ukrainians witnessing battlefield deaths due to Russia’s aggression developing acute trauma symptoms, your donation directly supports essential mental health services that are critically needed. Currently, there is just one mental health professional for every 400-500 service members.

Canadians have consistently demonstrated remarkable compassion in response to global crises. Your generosity enables us to provide what General Dallaire called “a basis of social reconstruction on a nation that is sustaining magnificently the horrors of living hell.” Together, we can ensure Ukraine’s defenders don’t face their internal battles alone. Because even the brave struggle—and with your help, they won’t have to struggle alone. 

Background

CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) 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 relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.

“For me, Canada is like a godmother,” says Alla, a Ukrainian veteran and recent Invictus champion. Her words capture the profound bond that has united our nations through darkness and light. For generations, Canada has stood as a beacon of hope and support for Ukraine. Today, as Ukraine fights for its very survival, this sacred relationship calls us to action.

Since the brutal Russian invasion shattered peaceful Ukrainian skies, Canadians have opened their hearts, homes, and resources. Every form of Canadian support—whether financial aid, military assistance, or humanitarian relief—represents a lifeline to a nation fighting not just for territory, but for its soul. Fighting to preserve a people, a culture, a way of life stretching back through centuries. This is more than material support; it symbolizes our shared commitment to freedom, sovereignty, and human dignity.

“For Ukrainians, we are rooted in the earth,” Alla explains. “For every piece of land, we are ready to sacrifice our lives.” Ukrainians have a profound connection to their homeland – one that resonates with Canadian values of territorial integrity and national sovereignty.

Veterans like Alla know just how important it is that Canadian support for Ukraine remains strong. Your support of Ukraine is not merely charity—it is an investment in our shared humanity and security. It is a promise that Canada’s unwavering support will continue until Ukraine stands free again.

Alla’s fight is Ukraine’s fight.

Stand with her.

Stand with Ukraine.

Background

CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal has been established jointly by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) 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 relief in the areas of assistance to displaced persons, medical care, emergency shelter and food security.