Category: News

Meet Alla – Ukrainian Veteran

Even the bravest warriors face battles that go beyond the frontlines. Today, we share the remarkable journey of Alla, a Ukrainian veteran whose story embodies resilience, courage, and the power of never giving up.

From Adventurer to Warrior 

An intrepid spirit from the Volyn region, Alla has always embraced life’s challenges head-on. Known for her rebellious nature and appetite for adventure, she channeled her natural intuition and strength into military service, serving with distinction in the 24th brigade from 2018 to 2021.

Rising to the Challenge 

When Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Alla didn’t hesitate. She immediately joined the Territorial Defense, putting her experience and courage to protect her homeland. However, in May 2022, during a daring breakout attempt from encirclement in Lyman, Donetsk region, she was captured by enemy forces.

Triumph Over Adversity 

For eight months and eleven days, Alla endured captivity. Yet her spirit remained unbroken. Upon liberation, she returned to service, now helping fellow veterans at the territorial recruitment and social support center in Volyn.

Finding Hope Through the Invictus Games

The Invictus Games became more than just a competition for Alla – it became a path to healing. Through her participation, she rediscovered her faith in society and justice. Today, she continues her mission, honoring the memory of fallen comrades by showing that even in our darkest moments, we can find the strength to persevere.

Even The Brave Struggle reminds us that acknowledging our challenges doesn’t diminish our strength – it reveals our humanity. Alla’s journey shows us that we can overcome life’s most daunting obstacles with support, determination, and courage.

Become a part of someone’s healing journey. Your support can help millions of Ukrainians endure during Ukraine’s darkest moments. Every contribution makes a difference in the lives of those who’ve given so much for their country.

Don’t forget that, thanks to a special extension from the Government of Canada, donations made before February 28th, 2025, can be applied toward the 2024 fiscal year. This means your contribution today, in 2025, will not only help Ukrainians in need but also qualify for your tax filing for 2024.

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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 the curtain falls on the inspiring Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler 2025, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of Team Ukraine, whose stories of resilience and determination have touched hearts across our nation and beyond. Their presence on Canadian slopes and tracks was made possible through the unwavering support of the Temerty Foundation, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, and your generosity through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which played a pivotal role in facilitating their pre-games training camp. This comprehensive preparation period ensured Ukrainian veterans could compete at their highest level, resulting in outstanding performances across multiple disciplines.

Team Ukraine’s achievements were particularly poignant, with notable victories of 32 medals. Each medal represents not just athletic excellence but the indomitable spirit of a nation standing strong in the face of adversity. Their success was amplified by the Canadian community’s warm embrace, who came out in force to cheer on our Ukrainian friends.

From Vancouver’s urban venues to Whistler’s majestic slopes, the sight of Ukrainian blue and yellow uniforms created an unforgettable visual testament to the strong bonds between our nations. Local communities opened their hearts and homes, organizing welcome events, community dinners, and cultural exchanges that made Team Ukraine feel at home thousands of miles from their homeland.

Through the “Even The Brave Struggle” campaign, we work together to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by veterans and civilians, as well as the significance of providing comprehensive support for their recovery journey. This initiative has deeply resonated with communities across Canada, inspiring unprecedented support for the Ukrainian competitors.

As we bid farewell to the Invictus Games 2025, we celebrate more than just athletic achievements. We celebrate the power of sport to heal, unite, and inspire. The spirit of Invictus – “unconquered” – was truly embodied in every competition, every friendship formed, and every moment of triumph over adversity.

Your contribution to the “Even the Brave Struggle” campaign directly supports the expansion of mental health services for Ukrainians. While international standards recommend one mental health professional for every 70-90 service members, Ukraine’s current resources fall far short. With your help, we can bridge this gap and ensure Ukrainian veterans and civilians receive the care they’ve earned through their sacrifice. The people of Ukraine have shown incredible courage in protecting their homeland.

To make an impact and become a part of the “Even The Brave Struggle” campaign, visit cufoundation.ca and donate. Don’t forget that, thanks to a special extension from the Government of Canada, donations made before February 28th, 2025, can be applied toward the 2024 fiscal year. This means your contribution today, in 2025, will not only help Ukrainians in need but also qualify for your tax filing for 2024.

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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 ensure that Ukraine’s bravest don’t face their internal battles alone.

As Russia’s full-scale war in Ukraine rages on for nearly the third year, the psychological toll of Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression continues to mount. Recent data reveals a staggering reality: between 60-80% of Ukrainians who witness battlefield deaths develop acute trauma symptoms. Behind these numbers are real people – brave defenders who now face a battle that doesn’t end when the shooting stops. The situation is particularly dire for young Ukrainians aged 18-24, who show higher rates of depression and trauma responses. Many suffer in silence, with 12-20% developing PTSD but choosing not to seek help due to stigma and fears about their military careers. This reluctance to seek support – driven by the same warrior spirit that makes them such formidable defenders – threatens to deepen the crisis.

The impact extends far beyond individual suffering. Ukrainian veterans experience anxiety and major depressive disorders at twice the rate of civilians, with substance use disorders occurring 2.3 times more frequently. These challenges don’t just affect the veterans – they ripple through families, communities, and the nation’s rebuilding ability. Experts predict that without intervention, Ukraine’s population could age 10-15 years faster than expected due to war-related stress, with diseases typically associated with older age appearing a decade earlier than usual. This presents an immediate crisis and a long-term challenge for Ukraine’s recovery and resilience.

Through the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, our “Even the Brave Struggle” campaign, running until April 6^th, 2025, will directly support mental health programs, rehabilitation services, and other essential humanitarian assistance for veterans and civilians affected by the war. The Ukrainian Ministry of Health projects that over 15 million Ukrainians will require psychological support, with veterans and service members facing the most acute challenges. Between 20-40% of these defenders require immediate psychological intervention, yet the current system can only provide one mental health professional for every 400-500 service members.

Your contribution to the “Even the Brave Struggle” campaign directly supports the expansion of mental health services for Ukrainians. While international standards recommend one mental health professional for every 70-90 service members, Ukraine’s current resources fall far short. With your help, we can bridge this gap and ensure Ukrainian veterans and civilians receive the care they’ve earned through their sacrifice. The people of Ukraine have shown incredible courage in protecting their homeland.

Now it’s our turn to stand with them as they face the invisible wounds of war. Your support will provide:

• Mental health services for veterans and civilians
• Rehabilitation programs to aid recovery and reintegration
• Essential humanitarian assistance to war-affected communities

When we say Even the Brave Struggle, we acknowledge that seeking help isn’t a weakness – it’s another form of courage. Your donation helps ensure that Ukraine’s bravest don’t face their internal battles alone.

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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.

Mental Health Campaign to Support Veterans and War-Affected Communities

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF), through the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, is proud to announce the launch of its veterans rehabilitation and mental health campaign, Even The Brave Struggle, which will provide veterans access to critical support. The campaign, which launches today, coincides with CUF, the Temerty Foundation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s (UCC) support of Team Ukraine at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, a global event celebrating recovery, resilience, and the unconquered human spirit.

Running until April 6, 2025, Even The Brave Struggle will highlight stories from veterans from Team Ukraine and feature highly respected Canadian military leader, humanitarian, and mental health advocate General Roméo Dallaire. General Dallaire has openly shared his own struggles with PTSD and operational stress injuries after his service in Rwanda, and continues to work tirelessly to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the military. His commitment to rehabilitation and empowerment echoes the sentiments of the campaign.

“With this campaign, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation aims to help heal the wounds of war and provide hope to those in need, ”said Valeriy Kostyuk, Executive Director of the Canada-Ukraine Foundation. “Thanks to the unwavering generosity of Canadians, we can continue to ensure no one faces their internal battles alone.”

Even The Brave Struggle is dedicated to addressing the urgent need for psychological care, rehabilitation services, and humanitarian aid for those affected by Russia’s war on Ukraine. As veterans and civilians alike face the enduring impacts of the full-scale invasion, CUF is committed to ensuring they receive the specialized care and support they desperately need.

Funds raised from the campaign will directly support:

• Mental health services for veterans and civilians
• Rehabilitation programs to aid recovery and reintegration
• Essential humanitarian assistance to war-affected communities

Even The Brave Struggle reflects CUF’s unwavering dedication to fostering recovery and resilience of those impacted by the war. By addressing the psychological and emotional toll of war, the campaign aims to create a future where individuals and communities can thrive.

To donate and learn more about the CUF-UCC Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal, please visit www.cufoundation.ca. Together, we can ensure that no Ukrainian faces their internal battles alone.

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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 Canada-Ukraine Foundation (CUF) is proud to join the Temerty Foundation and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), in supporting Team Ukraine’s training camp in advance of the upcoming Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025. This funding marks a significant commitment to supporting the resilience of Ukrainian veterans through the power of sport.

February 8 to 16, 2025, the world will gather in British Columbia for the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, an inspiring celebration of recovery, resilience, and the unconquered human spirit.

Featuring both traditional and winter adaptive sports for the first time, the Games welcome 550 competitors from 25 nations, including 35 veterans from Ukraine, the largest Ukrainian contingent in Invictus Games history.

Team Ukraine consists of 33 men and 2 women, recovering from physical and emotional injuries sustained in the ongoing war. Despite immense challenges, including an active war zone where even basic training is a luxury, Ukrainian veterans have shown extraordinary perseverance; CUF, the UCC and the Temerty Foundation are proud to support these veterans.

“Our goal is to show resilience and provide our competitors with the best possible experience on their journey to recovery,” said Ilona Voloshyna, Team Manager of Team Ukraine. “Thanks to the unwavering support of CUF, UCC, Temerty Foundation, and the Ukrainian community in Canada, we have been able to organize critical training camps, including one final camp before the Games.”

“Canada-Ukraine Foundation is honored to support the training camp of Team Ukraine ahead of this year’ s Invictus Games. This program exemplifies our commitment to supporting Ukraine’s wounded warriors, helping them transform their challenges into triumphs,”said Valeriy Kostyuk, Executive Director, Canada-Ukraine Foundation. “At the same time, we recognize the effects of war extend far beyond the battlefield. Which is why the Canada-Ukraine Foundation is committed to supporting Ukrainian veterans beyond the Invictus Games.”

To further support Ukrainian veterans, the Canada-Ukraine Foundation will be launching an initiative to address the urgent need for psychological care, rehabilitation services, and humanitarian aid for those affected by the war.

To donate and learn more about the CUF please visit www.cufoundation.ca.

To learn more about the Invictus Games, visit www.invictusgames2025.ca

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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.

About the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025

Presented by ATCO and Boeing, this seventh edition of the Invictus Games will feature six winter adaptive sports, including Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Biathlon, Nordic Skiing, Skeleton, and Wheelchair Curling. As a first in the Games’ history, the event will emphasize outdoor sport and positive risk-taking, reinforcing the power of sport as a vehicle for recovery.

Ukraine has participated in the Invictus Games since 2017, and this year marks its fifth appearance, showcasing the resilience and willpower of its defenders. Digital campaigns featuring hashtags such as #volia, #iamwillpower, and #IG25 will promote the live stream and encourage public support for Team Ukraine.

About the Invictus Games 

The Invictus Games were founded by His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex in 2014. They are an international event featuring adaptive sports for veterans and military personnel who have been injured, wounded, or fallen ill while performing their duties. The goal of the Invictus Games in Ukraine project is to create new opportunities for wounded and injured Ukrainian veterans and military personnel, supporting them on their journey to physical recovery, psychological rehabilitation, and social integration. The project team promotes the development and popularization of sports as an effective tool for recovery among injured soldiers and encourages society and the state to create the necessary conditions for this.

This winter has been particularly devastating for Ukraine’s power infrastructure. With over 13 massive attacks on energy facilities in 2024 alone, including the Christmas Day assault that saw 78 missiles and 106 combat drones targeting power stations, the need for reliable backup power has never been more critical.

Your incredible generosity has profoundly impacted the lives of countless Ukrainians. Together, through donations from across Canada, we raised a phenomenal $2.8 million for essential power equipment for Ukrainian hospitals and critical services during one of the most challenging winters they have faced. This remarkable achievement includes a $1 million contribution from Featherstone Estate Winery generously facilitated by the Myhal Family.

To learn more about Featherstone Estate Winery and explore their selection visit their website at https://featherstonewinery.ca/.  

Thanks to your donations, hospitals across Ukraine will continue performing life-saving procedures during blackouts. Emergency rooms remain operational, vital medical equipment stays powered, and patients receive the critical care they need. In cities like Mykolaiv and Kherson, where attacks are especially frequent, your support means the difference between life and death for many patients.

Your generosity will also help keep Ukrainian schools functioning through the darkness. Children can continue their education in warm, lit classrooms, maintaining a sense of normalcy despite the chaos around them. The generators and power stations you’ve helped provide will ensure that even during the harshest winter conditions and longest power outages, these essential institutions can continue serving their communities.

The impact of your support extends beyond just keeping the lights on. Each generator and power station you’ve helped fund represents hope and resilience for communities under constant bombardment. These vital power sources will ensure that families can stay warm, connected, and safe during the frequent blackouts that have become a daily reality in many parts of Ukraine.

As we look ahead, your contribution to the Power Up Ukraine campaign will continue making a difference throughout these challenging winter months and beyond. The equipment and infrastructure you’ve helped provide will serve as a lasting investment in Ukraine’s resilience. Thank you for standing with Ukraine when they needed it most. Your generosity has truly illuminated their darkness.

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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 Myhal Family Foundation was created by George and Rayla Myhal to assist in supporting causes within Canada that are Health and Education based. The foundation has worked with numerous hospitals in the GTA as well as educational institutions to help support, create and upgrade existing facilities and programs for the betterment of Canadians as a whole. Their work with the Ukrainian community has been extensive.

2024 CUF-UCC Winterization Campaign Brings Warmth to Thousands Across Ukraine

As winter blankets Ukraine in snow, we are filled with profound gratitude for your extraordinary support of our CUF-UCC Winterization Campaign. Thanks to your generosity and the remarkable matching pledges from the Myhal Family Foundation and the Ronald S. Roadburg Foundation, we have raised over $2.3 million to help Ukrainians face another challenging winter with dignity and hope.

Your contributions have enabled us to launch comprehensive winterization initiatives across Ukraine, reaching those most in need. In the eastern regions, including Kharkiv, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhya, our partner “Be Free” distributed more than 1,950 wood-burning stoves and 1,450 essential power kits, each containing a power bank, solar battery, and USB flashlight, thanks to this year’s Winterization campaign. These vital supplies are helping families maintain warmth and light during frequent power outages caused by Russia’s deliberate attacks on energy infrastructure. 

In partnership with Medical Mercy Canada, CUF has funded the delivery of food and supplies, clothing, blankets, and stoves to 19 villages in the Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions, where access to basic necessities remains challenging. Funding was also allocated to initiatives such as blood transfusion training & kits, virtual consultations with doctors, as well as training for firefighters in bleeding control and technical rope rescue. 

Education hasn’t been forgotten – through Finn Church Aid, we’ve supported schools in Kharkiv and Chernihiv with charging stations, LED lights, and thermal equipment, helping children continue their studies despite the harsh conditions. 

In Dnipropetrovsk, we’ve funded Daruj Dobro’s establishment of a year-long food support program of 3,500 units for internally displaced persons, while City of Goodness’ crisis shelters have received financial support for crucial supplies including generator fuel, food, medicines, and hygiene products.

With the help of charitable foundation Mamay, ambulances in the Kherson region were outfitted with 37 solar-power stations from Ukraine-based New Use Energy. The Association Internationale De Cooperation Medicale (AICM) is delivering 50 units of essential intermediate equipment for surgery and emergencies, such as ECGs and defibrillators, to hospitals in eastern Ukraine.

The scope of our support has truly been nationwide, touching communities from Lviv to Zaporizhzhia, and from Sumy to Odesa. Working with trusted partners like Podilska Perlyna, “Be Free”, Finn Church Aid, and other local organizations, we’ve ensured that aid reaches those who need it most—efficiently and effectively.

Looking ahead, while our Winterization campaign has concluded, the need for humanitarian aid in Ukraine continues. Many of our initiatives will run through the spring providing sustained support to communities. The challenges remain significant, but your generosity has helped create warm, safe spaces where families can find comfort and hope. We invite you to continue supporting these vital efforts by donating and sharing our mission with your networks.

From all of us at the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, thank you for standing with Ukraine and helping to keep families warm this winter.

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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 Myhal Family Foundation was created by George and Rayla Myhal to assist in supporting causes within Canada that are Health and Education based. The foundation has worked with numerous hospitals in the GTA as well as educational institutions to help support, create and upgrade existing facilities and programs for the betterment of Canadians as a whole. Their work with the Ukrainian community has been extensive.

The Canada-Ukraine Foundation has joined forces with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress in calling for urgent action to protect Ukrainian newcomers in Canada.

Earlier this week, we sent a letter to Immigration Minister Marc Miller requesting an immediate three-year extension of work permits for approximately 300,000 Ukrainians who arrived through the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.

Why This Matters:

• Many CUAET holders will soon see their work permits expire

• Without an extension, families face losing their jobs, homes, and stability

• These newcomers have become vital members of our communities

• The CUF has invested over $3 million in settlement support for Displaced Persons

What We’re Asking For:

An automatic 3-year extension of:

• CUAET visas

• Work permits

• Associated benefits

How You Can Help:

1. Share this message with your networks

2. Contact your local MP to express support for the extension

3. Visit cufoundation.ca to learn more about our ongoing support programs

Together, we can ensure that Ukrainian families who have already endured so much can continue building their lives here in Canada.

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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.