How British Columbians can help Ukraine
With hundreds of thousands of British Columbians having ties to Ukraine, many are looking for ways to help Ukrainians as the crisis prompted by Russia’s invasion intensifies.
Members of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress B.C. were handing out pamphlets at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Sunday, the day after a massive rally that attracted nearly 5,000 people, according to the organization.
"We are spreading awareness about the verified fund collectors," said Yulia Shokalyuk, a member of the Vancouver branch of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress has launched a nationwide humanitarian aid appeal, with all proceeds going to help Ukrainian citizens stranded in their home country, refugees and the Ukrainian army.
"People can choose to their liking, whether they want to help the army, or if they want to help aid the medical portion of it, or displaced children and women," said Shokalyuk.
While many advocates are encouraging people to donate, they are asking people to be careful of the charities they choose.
"We've already started to see some charities pop up that are less than honourable," said Eugene Lupynis, board member for the Ukrainian Community Society of Ivan Franko.
"There are charities out there where the money will either A, not get to Ukraine, or only a small portion of the funds will get to the people who need it in Ukraine," added Lupynis.
Lupynis estimates there are over 200,000 Ukrainian citizens living in British Columbia, who are worrying about their friends and family in Europe everyday.
He is advising members of his community that 100 per cent of the funds donated to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canadian Red Cross will get to Ukraine.
Dozens of B.C. bars and liquor stores have been selling their supplies of Russian liquor products and donating 100 per cent of the proceeds to the Canadian Red Cross Ukrainian humanitarian aid fund.
"The response from the industry has been overwhelming, my inbox has been filled with a few dozen places," said Jeff Guignard, executive director of the Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC).
"A number of bars and liquor stores have just pulled the products entirely. We're not going to be restocking any of those products," added Guignard.
The federal government announced on Friday that it will also match Canadians' donations to the Red Cross in aid of Ukraine, up to a maximum of $10 million.
Canadian Actor Ryan Reynolds and his wife Blake Lively also committed to match up to $1 million of donations to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Of course, yes': Poland latest European country with interest in Canadian LNG
The President of Poland says his country would 'of course' be interested in purchasing Canadian liquefied natural gas if it were available, while the Canadian federal government has said it is 'not interested' in subsidizing future projects.
Have you heard the one about Trump? Biden tries humour on the campaign trail
U.S. President Joe Biden is out to win votes by scoring some laughs at the expense of Donald Trump, unleashing mockery with the goal of getting under the former president's thin skin and reminding the country of his blunders.
Britney Spears settles long-running legal dispute with estranged father, finally bringing ultimate end to conservatorship
Britney Spears has reached a settlement with her estranged father more than two years after the court-ordered termination of a conservatorship that had given him control of her life, their attorneys said.
Invasive and toxic hammerhead worms make themselves at home in Ontario
Ontario is now home to an invasive and toxic worm species that can grow up to three feet long and can be dangerous to small animals and pets.
Deadly six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 sparked by road rage incident
One person was killed in a six-vehicle crash on Highway 400 in Innisfil Friday evening.
Kitchener family says their 10-year-old needs life-saving drug that cost $600,000
Raneem, 10, lives with a neurological condition and liver disease and needs Cholbam, a medication, for a longer and healthier life.
'Do not consume': Gift Chocolate recalled due to undeclared milk, soy
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has issued a recall for a specific chocolate brand sold in Ontario and Quebec.
Here's where Canadians are living abroad: report
A recent report sheds light on Canadians living abroad--estimated at around four million people in 2016—and the public policies that impact them.
Murder charge laid after man falls to death from Toronto apartment balcony
One person has been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the death of a man who fell from a balcony following an altercation inside a Toronto apartment building.