Category: News

An exciting opportunity awaits this June! The inaugural Canadian Shield Tournament is coming to Toronto’s BMO Field, bringing world-class international soccer to Canada as we prepare to host the World Cup in 2026.

This tournament represents a unique opportunity to show our support for Team Canada and Team Ukraine as they compete on Canadian soil. In these challenging times, the Ukrainian community in Canada has steadfastly supported Ukraine—now we can cheer on our national teams in person!

Single-day tickets are available!

TOURNAMENT DETAILS

June 7: Canada vs. Ukraine (3:30 PM) | New Zealand vs. Côte d’Ivoire (7:00 PM)

June 10: New Zealand vs. Ukraine (5:00 PM) | Canada vs. Côte d’Ivoire (8:30 PM)

Support Team Ukraine as they continue to show resilience despite Russian aggression at home!

Cheer for Team Canada as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil!

“The Ukrainian community in Canada has always supported our national team worldwide, and now it is our turn to visit them. Canada is a strong partner of Ukraine, and we are pleased to accept this invitation.” – Andriy Shevchenko, President of the Ukrainian Association of Football.

Don’t miss this opportunity to stand in solidarity as we welcome Team Ukraine and cheer for Team Canada in this exciting new international tournament!

Award-winning films Under the Volcano, Porcelain War, Forever-Forever, and more at The Royal Theatre this April

Don’t miss this year’s Toronto Ukrainian Film Festival (TUFF), an annual film festival showcasing the talents of contemporary Ukrainian artists and filmmakers happening at the Royal theatre April 24-27!

During the festival, TUFF will partner with Toronto’s St. Volodymyr Institute (SVI) to present incredible guest speakers and ancillary programming.

All proceeds from TUFF 2025 go to Second Front Ukraine Foundation and the humanitarian work of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

---

On Saturday, April 26th, Ride for the Arts in Ukraine!

Join TUFF at 11 a.m. at The Royal for the International Premiere of Ride the Line.

Supported by CUF’s Aid for Artists program, Ride the Line is a 2024 feature documentary directed by Ihor Volochii, a 34-year-old avid cyclist and sports and adventure filmmaker based in Toronto.

To reserve your spot, visit https://www.tuff.film/events/ride-the-line.

Stay for the post-screening Q&A discussion with the film’s Ihor Volochii & Sebastian Schwesig!

In the darkest times, while being in the worst shape of their life, two desperate friends decide to cycle 1,500 km along the entire front line in Ukraine, through liberated villages and towns, with a charitable purpose. 

A daring and deeply human Road movie, Ride the Line tells the impressive stories of the people they meet on their way and, finally, the terrible consequences of the war, which turned into an experience that will undoubtedly be etched in their memory for a lifetime.

Ride the Line is a free screening, with a Pay-What-You-Can option in support of CUF’s Aid for Artists Fund.

---

Ride Your Bike to the Film!

We want to see how many Toronto cyclists we can get to bike to the theatre for the screening. Let us know if you’ll be cycling to the screening and we’ll prepare a photo-op before the film to share the support of the Toronto cycling community.

Bike Racks in the Area: typical bike rings along College, subject to availability.

Bike Share Toronto Locations in the Area.

---

Background

Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) – founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.

Aid for Artists – A program of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation provides an outlet for the community at large to support the arts and artists of Ukraine who keep our homeland forward-facing, courageous and united. Preserving and advancing Ukrainian culture is now more critical than ever. The Aid for Artists program funds artists, arts workers, arts organizations, arts institutions and artist advocates to improve the preservation, promotion and development of Ukrainian arts in Ukraine.

The Toronto Ukrainian Film Festival (TUFF) is a non-profit film festival celebrating contemporary Ukrainian cinema on the world stage. Showcasing acclaimed and emerging films from Cannes, Sundance, and TIFF, it fosters Ukrainian-Canadian collaborations and new opportunities for filmmakers. Founded in 2023 by Roman Lysiak, TUFF highlights stories of bravery, love, compassion, and resistance through the power of film.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we gather with loved ones to celebrate Easter this year, our hearts remain with the people of Ukraine who continue to endure unimaginable hardship. The recent Russian attacks have brought renewed suffering to countless families, making this season of hope and renewal, all the more poignant.

Easter reminds us that even in our darkest hours, light and hope can prevail. While we find joy in our own celebrations with family and friends, we hold space in our hearts for those who are separated from their loved ones or who face danger daily.

The resilience of the Ukrainian people continues to inspire us. Their courage in the face of adversity embodies the very spirit of rebirth and perseverance that Easter represents.

At this meaningful time, we invite you to donate to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. Your generosity will provide crucial humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing war—bringing comfort, support, and perhaps a moment of peace during these challenging times. Whether through prayer, community support, or financial contribution, your compassion makes a difference. Together, we can ensure that the light of hope continues to shine for Ukraine.

From our family to yours, we wish you a blessed Easter filled with moments of joy, reflection, and renewed purpose.

Sincerely,

Team of Canada-Ukraine Foundation

---

Background

Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) – founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation is profoundly honored and thrilled to be part of the Tryzub Awards Gala, taking place on May 8th, 2025. This momentous celebration represents a milestone for our community as we come together to recognize over 130 years of Ukrainian-Canadian contributions that have enriched our nation. We are especially moved to participate in this prestigious event during such a critical time, as Russia’s violent war in Ukraine continues to escalate by the day, bringing unprecedented challenges to the innocent Ukrainian people. The Gala’s dedication to supporting humanitarian efforts aligns perfectly with our ongoing mission to deliver critical aid to those affected by this devastating conflict.

We feel privileged to stand alongside the newly formed Tryzub Gala Foundation, the Ukrainian World Congress, Unite With Ukraine, and the Myhal Family Foundation, whose remarkable generosity and steadfast partnership have been instrumental to our work for many years. Their commitment to unifying our community across Canada while celebrating those who have achieved success in their chosen fields and supported Ukrainian causes exemplifies the very best of our collective spirit. Last year’s event raised an impressive $500,000, demonstrating the powerful impact of our united community.  

The opportunity to participate in this celebration represents much more than an event to us—it’s a testament to the resilience and solidarity of the Ukrainian-Canadian diaspora during extraordinarily challenging times. We urge you to join us by purchasing your tickets now for this extraordinary celebration—your attendance will not only honour remarkable achievements within our community but also directly contribute to vital humanitarian efforts when Ukraine needs our support more than ever. Together, we can continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those affected by the war, celebrating our heritage while working toward a better future.  

We’re thrilled to invite you to an extraordinary event where Canadian and Ukrainian cinema unite in celebration of storytelling that matters. CanFilmDay, presented by REEL CANADA, is returning this April for the world’s biggest celebration of Canadian cinema! With over 1,700 screenings happening across Canada and around the world, this is your chance to stand up for Canada by sitting down to watch a great Canadian film, because our stories matter. On Wednesday, April 16th, as part of CanFilmDay, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation proudly offers an exclusive online screening of the powerful Ukrainian-Canadian documentary “Doors of War” by Taras Lesiuk and Annick Sheedy McLellan of Gambade Films.

This impactful film follows Ukrainian artist Ruslan Kurt’s journey as he transforms doors destroyed by Russia during its war in Ukraine into a profound art exhibition and brings it to Canada. Shot on location in both Ukraine and Canada, “Doors of War” offers a moving glimpse into the lives of those forced to flee their homes and highlights the challenges of maintaining global attention and support during prolonged conflict. 

Why does this matter? In a world where our attention is constantly pulled in different directions, film remains one of our most powerful tools for connection and understanding. The theme of this year’s CanFilmDay, “Something to Believe In,” couldn’t be more fitting. Canadian cinema gives us strength, inspires us, and reflects the creativity and diversity of our communities. Similarly, Ukrainian art and film represent the soul of a nation—its strength, identity, and resilience in the face of war.

The Aid for Artists fund, established by the Canada-Ukraine Foundation in March 2022, continues its essential work by supporting Ukrainian artists who, despite Russian aggression, keep their homeland courageous, united, and forward-facing. When you join us for this screening, you become part of a global movement recognizing that our stories—whether Canadian or Ukrainian—deserve to be told, shared, and celebrated. 

Register before April 15th to secure your spot for this exclusive online screening of Doors of War on April 16th. Be one of the thousands across Canada and around the world who will stand up for meaningful cinema by sitting down to experience a Canadian film that bridges cultures and illuminates shared human experiences. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the power of art to transcend borders and conflict. Register now and join a community that believes in the transformative power of film! 

Stand with Ukraine – support Canadian!

---

Background

Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) – founded in 1995, CUF has a strong track record of providing humanitarian assistance to Ukraine in the areas of healthcare, education and civil society. CUF collaborates with aid providers in Ukraine, Canada, and beyond to maximize impact and cost-effectiveness of your support.

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.

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.