Following Russia's attacks on Ukraine this week, the community is sharing concerns and offering support to Ukrainians here and around the world.
"We are heartbroken for our Ukrainian Canadian community," said Bradford West Gwillimbury Mayor Rob Keffer in a social media post. "We condemn the actions of Russian President Putin. NATO must step up."
For residents looking for ways to show their support, aid organizations have launched campaigns to raise funds to provide immediate relief in Ukraine.
The Canada-Ukraine Foundation has launched an appeal for humanitarian relief to provide "assistance quickly and efficiently to those in need in Ukraine to address any further aggression by Russia."
Since launching in late January, more than $2.3 million has been raised and with the current situation, the foundation has added a red banner to its website homepage that says "Russia Invaded Ukraine" and calls on people to help now by donating online.
The Ontario government announced it is donating $300,000 to the organization.
“Last night we witnessed a violent attack on a sovereign nation as Vladimir Putin launched a war of aggression against Ukraine,” said Premier Doug Ford in a news release. “The bonds between Canada and Ukraine run deep, and generations of Ukrainian-Canadians have helped build the Canada we know and love. This morning I spoke with the Consul General of Ukraine and assured him that the people of Ontario stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Ukraine.”
Save The Children Canada has also created a campaign seeking online donations in response to the Ukraine crisis. The organization provides disaster relief and emergency response for children around the world.
"Children in Ukraine are caught in the crossfire of an adult war. They need our help. Save the Children stands ready to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to children and their families in the region," they said on their website.
The Red Cross has also launched a Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal to support those affected by the conflict.
"Support will address immediate and ongoing relief efforts, long-term recovery, resiliency, and other critical humanitarian activities as needs arise, both in Ukraine and surrounding countries, including those who are displaced," they said online.
You can donate to the appeal online or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
According to reports from the Canadian Press, the federal government will be announcing a plan to match donations made by individual residents to the Canadian Red Cross to respond to the situation in Ukraine.
On Saturday Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. The Town of Bradford West Gwillimbury will be hosting a Ukrainian Flag Raising ceremony at Sunshine Square in front of the Leisure Centre to show their support for the Ukrainian community.
-with files from Natasha Philpott
