We Stand With Ukraine

14 Apr We Stand With Ukraine

In the weeks since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, over 4.9 million people have fled the country and experts predict over 7 million will be forced to leave before the conflict is over. These are mainly women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable members of the community.

The latest reports suggest that more than 14,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada since the beginning of the year and at least 31,000 more are currently in the system for processing, with more applying every day.

We know this conflict is having an impact today and will continue to have an impact on our local communities, in the Ukrainian community, and for others who may be reliving trauma by witnessing the impact of this conflict.

We stand in solidarity with Ukrainians around the world, and with all people forced to flee their homes due to violence and other humanitarian crises.

As time goes on, many of those leaving their home country will be joining their family or close contacts here in Canada, settling in our region. Many will make our community their new home after arriving in the major Canadian centres.

We will be ready to welcome them and offer support.

The mission of United Way Simcoe Muskoka is to improve lives and build communities by ensuring that residents have the resources and assistance they need to unlock their full potential; this includes all refugees and newcomers to Canada. We will be working closely with our agency partners to ensure that once people arrive, they have access to the services and supports they need to thrive, including:

• Mental health support
• Culturally sensitive and trauma-informed family and child counselling
• Systems navigation
• Housing
• Food security
• Pre-employment and employment services

Anyone who has been impacted by what we are witnessing in Ukraine can access mental health supports by calling 211.

How can I help right now?

Our partners at the Canadian Red Cross have mobilized an international relief effort and fund, as have other Canadian international development charities who are supporting to the humanitarian response underway in Europe.

To assist Ukrainians who are arriving in Canada, you can donate to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation.

To support refugees arriving here in our region today, you can direct your donation to Youth Services and Immigrant Services at YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka.

Are you a newcomer to Simcoe Muskoka?

The YMCA of Simcoe Muskoka offers a variety of services supported by supported by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. We encourage you to visit YMCA’s Immigrant Service resources to learn more.

Additional resources are available:

• In the Bradford area: Bradford Immigrant Community Services
• In the Owen Sound, Grey Bruce area: Grey Bruce Settlement Services
• Across Ontario, call 211 to be connected with over 60,000 community & social services: Ontario 211