Fighting in Ukraine is going into its third week, as Russian forces attempt to take over major cities in Ukraine, the effects are being felt worldwide.
Every day the world is seeing images of cities being destroyed and people displaced. They have also seen the resolve of the Ukrainian forces and civilians defending their homes. Canada has the largest Ukrainian population outside of their home county, and there are many connections.
Lynn Hemming is active in the Grace Lutheran Church and has made many connections to the country.
She explains that for many years practicing religion in the USSR was suppressed. When Communism fell, the Ukraine Lutheran Church reached out for help from the West for financial support.
“So the Lutheran Church in Canada had been very supportive of the Ukrainian Church since the fall of Communism,” she said.
About 10 years ago Hemming and members of the congregation went on a humanitarian trip. She made many close friends and was billeted and connected with two young pastors in Ukraine.
“We stayed in touch with the people we met as well as the two young pastors. It is heart-wrenching getting daily updates happening in their cities and with their family and friends. It is not good news at all,” said Hemming.
She says communication has been good, and they have been able to message. She has learned the two pastors have both been successful in having their families evacuated, but they are staying in Ukraine to support the defense effort. One of these pastors is in Odesa and the other is on Mykolayiv, which is close to the Russian front.
She said when she was in Ukraine she volunteered at a camp on the Sea of Azov, which is now under Russian control.
We have been very anxious for these people. The men are staying of course, and the future is very uncertain,” she said. “They know what it is like to be under Russian control and they don’t want to go there again. This is unprovoked aggression and they are going to fight for their country, but when we see the pictures of devastation it is heart-wrenching.”
She adds she is impressed with the resolve of the people of Ukraine.
“They have been through endless hardships and they are very resilient people. It’s quite inspiring. On one hand, it is extremely discouraging, but it is also inspiring to see their resolve.
Hemming said the church will continue to support financially locally and as a church body.
Charityintelligence.ca has researched a number of different charities working in the region where residents can donate. These include Canada-Ukraine Foundation Appeal (www.cufoundation.ca), Doctors without Borders (www.msf.ca), and the Red Cross. It recommends donating through secure websites when making credit card transactions, and notes a one time large donation will get aid there faster, rather than smaller monthly donations. It also recommends donating funds rather than items, which may have a harder time reaching the country logistically.
