3 YEG Ways to Help Ukraine and its Refugees

In the spring, when Russian troops invaded Ukraine, you couldn’t go onto the internet or turn to the local TV stations without seeing news about fundraising events to help Ukrainians within that country’s borders and refugees coming to Canada.

Now that Russian forces have retreated, we are seeing stories about mass graves. While cities, towns and villages have been liberated, many are left without power and sanitation — and winter is coming. So, the need to help refugees or send aid to Ukraine is as strong as it has ever been, even though we have seen Russian forces fall back. Here are some ways you can help:

• The Ukrainian Canadian Congress’s Alberta Provincial Council has created a t-shirt that commemorates 130 years of settlement in Alberta. Donate at least $20 to the UCC, keep or screenshot your receipt, and you can pick the shirts up at the UCC’s office at 8103 127 Ave.
• The Free Store for Ukrainian Newcomers, located downtown at 10137 104 St., is regularly looking for donations; think of toiletries and stuff for the winter season — coats, other outerwear and blankets.
• The Canadian Polish Historical Society, based here in Edmonton, has been working to sponsor Ukrainian refugees, helping with airline tickets and supplies to help people get settled. Donations can be sent to [email protected]

 
 
Remember to do your homework. Before supporting any fundraising efforts, make sure the organization is reputable and the funds and/or supplies are going where they are needed. Sadly, there are lots of scams out there, so make sure to go with organizations you can trust.