Fundraiser for Ukraine reaches capacity within hours
Thousands of donations are pouring in to support the Ukrainian victims of the Russian invasion.
Ottawa’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral Hall quickly filled up and reached capacity within hours after a humanitarian fundraising relief fund kicked off on Saturday.
“My car was fully loaded with food and clothing,” said Tony Matis, who drove from Kingston with his son-in-law to make the donation. “I’ve been losing a lot of sleep, seeing those children say goodbye to their parents and never knowing if they’re going to see their father again, it breaks me up.”
The Stand with Ukraine fundraiser was started by the Ottawa chapter of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and a shipping company called Meest.
“We have really strong ties to both countries,” said Olga Waugh, who was dropping off a donation on Saturday. “My friend is Russian from Russia and I am a Russian person from Ukraine. Our hearts are breaking because of what’s happening.”
David Gamble was dropping off clothes.
“We see all these young women, with little babies, where they have kids and they have no where to go with no food,” he said. “It’s just incredible.”
The items were dropped off outside from idling vehicles, before being brought in to the hall by volunteers to be sorted and boxed.
“We are hoping to get the first shipment to Toronto on Sunday night or Monday,” said Olenka Bastian, the organizer of the fundraiser. “I believe in the next week they should be on a plane and over there.”
The donations include feminine hygiene products, toiletries, and military gear.
Volunteers received so much support that they had to start turning people away close to noon because they reached capacity within the hall.
“We are in the first day officially and we are at capacity,” said Bastian, who is a member of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress. “It’s a good problem to have and I want to thank everyone.”
Organizers say they will be accepting donations until next Friday and items will be shipped based on priority. Needs change daily. The latest information can be found on the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Facebook page.
You can also make donations through the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.