How Your Support Transforms Fear into Hope
In Ukraine’s temporarily occupied territories, children are being systematically stripped of their identities, forced into military training, and psychologically manipulated to forget they are Ukrainian—which is exactly why our Every Child Deserves a Future campaign exists.
Maria, 17 years old, faced her nightmare when Russian soldiers from the National Guard stormed into her classroom, assault rifles in hand. “Try, show what you know,” they commanded, forcing Maria and her classmates to assemble and disassemble the very weapons being used to destroy their homeland. The soldiers informed them that any of them could be drafted and sent to war.
What followed was a relentless campaign to erase Maria’s identity. Seven times a month, mandatory militarization sessions were led by Russian soldiers to train Ukrainian children. Propaganda videos, military rations, forced songs praising Russia—this became daily life. Even first-graders were enlisted into their “Youth Army” program, being filmed during ceremonies and made to salute a future they hadn’t chosen.
Maria witnessed how manipulation worked. One of her classmates was deceived into signing a military contract at 16. His fate remains unknown. When Maria dared to plan her escape, Russian authorities interrogated her and threatened her family.
Thanks to Save Ukraine’s rescue network—supported by donors like you—Maria is now safe. Using discreet communication channels and a complex, clandestine network, Save Ukraine coordinated her evacuation from occupation. Now, Maria’s trauma has given rise to a powerful purpose: she dreams of studying law to defend human rights.
Through our partnership with Save Ukraine and the generosity of the Temerty Foundation, we have already helped rescue 12 children from Russian captivity. But thousands are still waiting. Approximately 19,000 Ukrainian children have been abducted by Russia since 2022. When you donate before June 23, you fund more rescue operations, trauma care, and the chance for children to reclaim their future.
Help us turn fear into strength. Help more children like Maria not only survive—but rise.
Our new address since May 30
Canada-Ukraine Foundation
30 Powerhouse St., Suite 101
Toronto, Ontario M6H 0C6
About us
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.