Assisting Ukrainians
CANADA – On the morning of March 1, 2022, six days after the invasion of Ukraine began, a 64-year-old Canadian (and family friend of this writer) texted from an underground shelter where he was hiding with his 13-year-old son and ex-wife. He wrote that Russian soldiers had broken in and stole all their food and water. If he goes into the streets searching for more, he risks being shot by the invaders perhaps only to find empty shelves. If he doesn’t take the risk, they have days to live. Their plight is shared by millions of Ukrainians who are counting on help from the world community.
Reputable, non-profit organizations are working to get food, water, shelter, and urgent medical care to refugees and, ideally, to those within Ukraine:
Canadian Red Cross: For 120 years, The Red Cross has provided vital services during natural disasters and armed conflicts. This charity fights to uphold International Humanitarian Law. Every donation to the Red Cross (up to $10 million) from Canadians will be matched by the Government of Canada. Visit redcross.ca.
United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF): Since conflict began in Ukraine in 2014, UNICEF has been providing safe water, protection, healthcare, and education for the country’s 7.5 million children. The need is even greater now. Visit: unicef.ca.
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Canada (UNHCR): This organization provides shelter and food to refugees in 133 countries. The UNHCR website states that 84 cents of every dollar go directly to those in need; 10 cents to supporting implementation of programs; and only 6 cents to management/admin. Visit: unhcr.ca.
Canadian-Ukraine Foundation (CUF): The CUF, in conjunction with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, is in contact with Ukrainian government officials to meet their current needs for food, medicine, emergency supplies, etc. Visit: cufoundation.ca.
These international medical organizations are distributing war-wounded kits in Ukraine and deploying teams to neighbouring countries (e.g., Poland, Hungary, and Romania) to treat hypothermia, dehydration, and injuries from direct combat, shelling, etc.:
Medecins du Monde/Doctors of the World doctorsoftheworld.org.
Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders doctorswithoutborders.ca.
Sutton is a 100% Canadian-owned and operated company with more than 6,500 REALTORS® in over 200 offices nationwide. To find out more about Sutton, visit www.sutton.com. To learn more about Sutton Spirit, visit www.suttonspirit.com.
—————————————————————————-
Sutton Group Realty Services Ltd.:
Lisa Harrison
Brooke Matthews
604-691-1689
stories@suttonspirit.com