Ukraine continued to fight for its freedom over the weekend, pushing back against invading Russian forces, as anti-war protests were sparked in Canada, the U.S., and around the world.
The military aggression marks the most prominent attack by one European country on another since World War II, and global citizens are pissed at Putin’s lack of care for humanity.
Disinformation campaigns are running rampant online right now, too, and Facebook’s parent company Meta is working to curb the digital attacks on its platforms, Facebook and Instagram.
If you’re among those watching in horror as the events unfold overseas and you feel moved to help or you know someone who needs aid, take a look at the below list of resources where Canadians can donate money and time, or find support.
So far the Canadian Red Cross has raised over $10 million in individual donations for the Ukrainian relief program, which the federal government says it will match, adding another $10-million to the pot. Funds directly support those affected by the attack.
Doctors without Borders announced last week that some of its ongoing programs in Eastern Ukraine were being canceled due to the danger of the ongoing conflict. Still, this humanitarian group is continuing to find ways to provide emergency medical assistance amidst the crisis.
As entire communities are forced to relocate, those in already marginalized positions such as some members of the LGBTQ+ community may find themselves in even greater danger. Outright International has already raised over $130,000 U.S. of its $150,000 goal to help displaced LGBTQ+ individuals.
This long-standing NGO is helping the children and families affected by the unrest and is collecting donations to support its efforts on the ground in Ukraine.
Canada-Ukraine Foundation, a national charitable organization based in Toronto, and Ukrainian Canadian Congress started a GoFundMe that has already sent $500,000 in donations to the Ukraine to provide shelter, food, and medicine to those affected. So far, it has raised $4 million of its $5 million goal.
Run by Dr. Arooba Syed, Toronto-based Sukun Therapy is offering one free digital psychotherapy session to any Canadian Ukrainian living in Ontario.
Since 2014, GlobalMedic has been using its power to assist those impacted by conflict. Today, it’s diverting its funds to help those attempting to flee the country through the operation of field clinics and the distribution of food packages, medical, and hygiene supplies, water purification tablets, and more vital supplies.
Charity group Help Us Help has issued a call to #StandWithUkraine and is requesting donations to help with the “relocation of children, scholars, and veteran families, as well as to provide humanitarian and medical assistance for victims of the war.”
StopPutin.net is a digital resource where people can find the latest information on anti-war protests and rallies happening in their area and around the world. Organizers are also encouraged to add their events to the global calendar, so individuals can more easily find ways to participate.
CARE Canada is a registered non-profit that primarily helps women and girls in struggling nations and today is providing direct aid to Ukrainians affected by the fighting.
All donations to the UNHCR go to helping Ukrainans forced to flee their country find a safe place to shelter. Vancouver’s Ryan Reynolds and wife Blake Lively promised to match donations to UNHCR up to $1 million.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Ukraine Emergency Fund has been raising cash for the people of Ukraine for nearly a decade now, but its work has never been more important. The NGO uses donated monies to ensure Ukrainian children and families have access to safe water, urgent medical aid, education, and child protection.
A list of Canadian therapists who speak the Ukrainian language for any one across the country who needs professional support.
Many Black people trying to escape Ukraine say they are facing racist treatment by Ukrainian security forces and border officials. They’ve reportedly been denied access to trains, buses, and even just the mere possibility of crossing the border. Several reports show that while neighbouring countries welcome Ukrainian refugees, Africans have been turned back. This GoFundMe was created to support vulnerable Black people in Ukraine trying to escape the chaos in Ukraine.
Embassy contact information for various African nations including South Africa, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, and more, as well as instructions on how to safely evacuate Ukraine via the Polish border, have been compiled by an individual on Instagram.
Amanda Waliszewska, a 31-year-old Polish woman living in Sweden, has created a GoogleDoc of frequently asked questions for people trying to cross the border without Ukrainian passports and who identify as LBGTQ+.
This Instagram post by @trippin.world, a global travel platform, has compiled a list of resources for marginalized and vulnerable people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine. The post rounds up supports for LGBTQ+ community, women, Black students, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
