Being in Canada, we can sometimes feel lost about how to help when other parts of the world are hurting. The invasion of Ukraine has undoubtedly surfaced a range of feelings across the college among people whose own countries, communities, and cultures have also been subject to senseless violence. Approaching all our interactions with compassion and care, especially amid the changing state of pandemic response, is needed now more than ever.
Many organizations are currently fundraising to provide support to those affected by the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. Should you have resources or capacity, you may wish to make a donation or get involved with one of the initiatives listed below.
Support for international students
A group of current and former international students from Ukraine is raising funds for students affected by the conflict. One of the organizers is Kateryna Postrybailo (pictured, sitting far left), a student in George Brown’s Digital Media Marketing program, who recently spoke to CTV News about how “stressful, devastating and heartbreaking” the situation is for students abroad.
In addition to being worried about family and friends back home, Postrybailo pointed out that many Ukrainian students in Ontario are now unable to cover the costs of educational and living expenses. "Since the war has started, we have been cut off from our financial support and contributions from our parents,” she said.
To help raise funds for their peers, the group started a GoFundMe campaign called Help Ukrainian Students, as well as an Instagram page.
George Brown College is also supporting students affected by the conflict through tuition relief, support with study permits and our Emergency Bursary Fund, which helps cover living expenses. If you would like to contribute to our Emergency Bursary Fund, you can make a donation through the George Brown College Foundation.
Humanitarian aid and resettlement support
For those looking to support humanitarian aid, as well as the resettlement of Ukrainians fleeing to Canada, there are many organizations accepting donations and sharing information on how to help, including:
Support for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ people
In addition to the broadest needs for all people in Ukraine, Black and racialized people, people who have come to Ukraine as refugees and LGBTQIA+ people are facing additional practical and systemic barriers in attempting to flee the country to safety. To learn more about how to support these communities, visit the following links:
Xtra Magazine’s List of Organizations Providing Assistance to LGBTQIA+ People
