Hearts4Ukraine: Thank you to our Partners!
As we begin 2023, the war in Ukraine continues to rage causing tremendous pain and suffering for our sisters and brothers in Ukraine. Since the invasion began on February 24th, 2022, over 7 million Ukrainians, primarily women and children, have fled the country to safety with over 700,000 having applied to come to Canada under the government’s CUAET program. As of December 21st, 471,258 Ukrainians have been approved to come to Canada, of which just over 100,000 have arrived since March. 2022.
With your support we have been able to help many newcomer families, helping them to settle in the GTA and to feel part of the community. We have:
Secured flights for 52 newcomers and assist them through the visa application process
Donated new bedding and supported St. Volodymyr Institute as they provided emergency shelter for newcomers arriving in Toronto during the summer of 2022
Together with our partner, Halton Region, we were able to provide interim accommodation for 15 families at Sheridan College Residence for 2-3 months enabling them to settle in safely and begin the search for employment and longer-term rental accommodation
Upon their arrival in Oakville provided families with emergency essentials including grocery vouchers, transit passes, cookware, and kitchen utensils
Provided 20 families with computers/laptops to enable them to complete the numerous registrations required of newcomers and equip the children for the school year ahead
Provided rent support for 20 families in-need for 1 year and together with our partners helped furnish their apartments
Together with our partners Safetynet and Casper Sleep Inc., we were able to provide new beds, mattresses, pillows, and bedding to over 100 families in the GTA and Hamilton
In December we launched the St. Volodymyr Cultural Center Food Basket program together with our partners Food for Life, providing fresh produce and Ukrainian favourites to over 40 newcomer families in the Oakville and Burlington area every week.
Throughout 2022 St. Volodymyr Cathedral and Cultural Center hosted numerous events including a summer picnic for newcomer families, the recent Святий Миколай celebration attended by over 200 newcomers, volunteers, and partners, as well as gatherings after Sunday Liturgies to help our newcomers feel welcome and part of our community. Hearts4Ukraine and St. Volodymyr Cathedral would like to acknowledge the incredible support and commitment of our Community Partner Organizations whose support enable us to provide accommodation, furniture, food, and essentials of life to our families most in need.
Finally, a special thanks to our many donors and incredible volunteers who have enabled our program to grow and help our newcomer families through these difficult times, welcoming them to our community and making sure they were not alone.
Thank you! Happy New Year to you and your families!
—John Holuk, member of St. Volodymyr Cathedral parish executive
