Thanks for helping Ukrainians — but more is needed

A commentary by the vice-president of the Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Centre of Vancouver Island, based in Victoria.

The Russian war on Ukraine has seized the attention of the world for more than four months. Untold suffering of Ukrainians, atrocities, massive scale demolition of entire cities — we can only imagine how horrible this war is and its full impact.

And now the humanitarian crisis that’s reached Canada, and Victoria, brings this all too close to home. It is truly unbearable, but for the generosity, kindness and responsive caring of our community in Greater Victoria.

The Ukrainian Canadian Cultural Society of Vancouver Island, also known as the Ukrainian Cultural Centre on Douglas, owes a debt of gratitude to countless individuals, ethnic and community organizations, faith communities, service clubs, businesses and all levels of government.

Your support is extensive. It is very much felt and is deeply appreciated, whether it is financial, moral, social, human service, volunteer or spiritual. Thank you!

The funds we have received and are disbursing through partner organizations directly help the hundreds of women, children and men who have fled war and come to the Victoria area.

We are providing funds for food, bus transport, medical exams, phone cards, summer camps for families and, in some situations, airfare.

Many in our community are providing free accommodation to displaced Ukrainians for up to three months, food, clothing and household items, toys, bicycles.

Others are providing immigration and legal advice, translation assistance, dentistry, medical services and counselling. More than 400 Victorians have volunteered for a wide variety of tasks working with our society and affiliated groups.

Employment services, job boards, connections to the local education system, innovative short-term housing projects, driving people around, communications via social media and the internet are now well underway.

We are so fortunate that the diaspora of Ukrainians here has successfully engaged our community.

A very deep bow to all who are helping us, and especially all the incoming Ukrainians to get settled here.

Please continue to remember us who serve, and the displaced Ukrainians who are pouring into our region.

The war is raging. People continue to die and suffer indescribable pain and losses. They are coming here as survivors, often broken-spirited, wearing a brave face but emotionally in turmoil. Uprooted from a peaceable world of possibilities and relocated, they are starting to rebuild their lives.

We’re making good headway in serving these needs, but everything is still a work in progress. The challenges are considerable.

Our society has stepped up, although at times our resources are strained. We continue to raise funds, and help connect our guests to services and things they need.

Please continue your support. It continues to be much needed as Ukrainians held up in Europe make their way to safe places of refuge, including B.C.

Again, thank you Greater Victoria, from the bottom of our hearts.