How can I help Ukraine? A list of Canadian organizations offering relief

As Canadians rally in cities across the country to protest the Russian invasion of Ukraine, many are wondering what else they can do to help people in that country — where casualties are mounting, cities are under siege, and countless people have fled their homes.

A number of organizations have launched dedicated fundraisers to help with humanitarian relief as the crisis intensifies.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation have started a joint appeal for donations. The money raised through the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal will go toward helping those displaced, medical care, emergency shelter, and food.

“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,” according to the campaign website.

UNICEF is accepting donations that go toward ensuring access to safe water, urgent medical aid and healthcare services, and child protection.

Save the Children Canada is focused on bringing relief to the 7.5 million children in the country, saying hundreds of thousands live in Eastern Ukraine where the Russian military presence means they are under threat of displacement, serious injury, or death.

“Explosions have been heard in the capital Kyiv and other major cities such as Kharkiv, forcing children and families into basements and bomb shelters. Parents are reporting trying to calm terrified children. Thousands of others are fleeing the capital, mostly by car. Temperatures in the capital are dropping below freezing, and displaced children may face long nights and days exposed to brutal conditions,” the website says.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is asking for people to make a contribution to “ensure that Ukrainians forced to flee their homes are sheltered and safe.”

The Canadian Red Cross has set up a portal on its website to send money specifically to help their efforts in Ukraine and surrounding countries.

“Money raised will enable the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to respond to humanitarian needs generated by almost eight years of conflict, as well as preparedness and response efforts due to heightened tensions in Ukraine,” the website says.

If you know of other organizations doing work in Ukraine that we should be featuring, please contact us.