Across Vancouver Island, many are looking for ways to support Ukraine as its people try to fend off a Russian invasion.
On February 24th, Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an invasion on Ukraine after years of political tension.
The Russian invasion has displaced millions of civilians from their homes, and thousands have been killed in the conflict.
Since that time, Victorians have been showing their support for Ukrainians in the form of rallies, fundraising and donating.
From humanitarian aid for civilians to medical support on the front lines, here’s how to do your part:
Purchase Perogies for Ukraine
A Kyiv-born Colwood woman is making perogies in an effort to aid the war-stricken country – proceeds from these sales are being used to help people in Ukraine.
Lia Butler is selling a dozen perogies for $10. She offers both meat and vegetarian and is selling them on Facebook. To date, she has raised over $5,000.
Discounted Dog Training
Saanich Peninsula resident Darcie Jennings owns and operates CommuniCanine and is offering discounted dog training courses until the end of day Sunday, March 20th.
Jennings, who is Ukrainian, is offering online courses that are just $49 and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and Save Pets of Ukraine.
Her goal is to raise $5,000 by the end of the week. Find more information here.
Victoria’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre
Donating to Victoria’s Ukrainian Cultural Centre will go to humanitarian aid. Click here to make a donation.
Westcoast Appliance Gallery matching donations
Westcoast Appliance Gallery will match a total of $6,000 in donations for Ukraine. Anyone giving to a registered Canadian charity providing aid to that country need only show a receipt for the donation — either at the store or by emailing admin@westcoastappliance.ca — and the company will give an identical amount.
Dodd’s Furniture and Mattress
Gordy Dodd and team are accepting donations of soap, socks, shampoo, sleeping bags and more at all three of its locations in Victoria, Nanaimo and Campbell River until April 3rd.
The goal is to fill a shipping container full of donated items that will be sent to Compassionate Resource Warehouse and the people of Ukraine, in partnership with the Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island, Soap for Hope and HerWork.
“The Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Society has become a beacon of hope. A place that we can all rally around as neighbours, family or just as humanitarians to give and help,” said Love Dodd.
Learn more about donating here.
Canadian Jobs for Ukrainians
A Facebook group has been created, Canadian Jobs for Ukrainians, with the purpose of connecting Canadian employees with Ukrainian individuals who have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict. Red Seal Recruiting said they have a handful of employers willing to provide good wages, accommodation and flights or a combination of a couple of these.
“The thing is we need thousands of employers, especially employers who want to hire lots of women with some flexibility, as men can’t leave the country unless they are traveling with kids,” the company said.
Donate
Donate to Razom for Ukraine or United Help Ukraine – both organizations are supplying medical aid to those on the frontlines. There’s also, Fundraiser for Sunflower of Peace and Revived Soldiers Ukraine.
If you would like to donate to an organization that helps children affected by the war in Ukraine, donate to Voices of Children.
The Ukrainian Red Cross, which does loads of humanitarian stuff, from aiding refugees to training doctors. Donate here.
Revived Soldiers Ukraine, which funds medication and medical supplies for army hospitals on the front line. Donate here.
The Kyiv Independent, a Ukraine-based English-language newspaper. Help keep accurate news reports coming by donating to The Kyiv Independent’s Patreon and GoFundMe pages.
Airbnb.org, is looking for a different kind of donation. The charitable arm of Airbnb has pledged to temporarily house 100,000 people fleeing the conflict, and it’s looking for people to volunteer their homes. Find out more and get involved here.
