From:
Mark Brosens, Interim Director of PR and Communications - Archdiocese of Toronto
Ukraine has been plunged into war after the Russian military invaded the country last week, resulting in widespread violence and a looming humanitarian crisis. In response to the request of parishioners, the Archdiocese of Toronto has launched a humanitarian relief effort to help the Ukrainian people at this time.
Hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians have already fled their homes and are trying to find shelter in neighbouring countries. The United Nations estimates that there could eventually be up to five million Ukrainian refugees, depending on how the war transpires.
Pope Francis has called on the faithful to make Ash Wednesday (March 2, 2022) a day of prayer and fasting for peace in Ukraine. On that day – and the days that follow – a donation to help Ukrainians who are suffering due to this war would be a most appreciated gift.
The Archdiocese of Toronto will channel donations to support the Office for Refugees, Archdiocese of Toronto (ORAT) and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA). CNEWA is a papal agency with a long history of humanitarian relief; it is currently working in Eastern Europe, providing Ukrainians with food, shelter, medicine and transportation to safe locations. ORAT is Canada’s largest private Sponsorship Agreement Holder, which helps bring hundreds of newcomers to our country each year; it will use donations to bring Ukrainian refugees to Canada as soon as possible.
Your donation will help Ukrainians who are beset by violence in Eastern Europe and it will help some of them find a new home in Canada.
Those wishing to help may do so in the following ways:
Online through the Archdiocese of Toronto website: www.archtoronto.org
By phone through the Development Office – 416-934-3411
Through the parish, making cheques payable to:
Name of Parish – Ukrainian Relief – Humanitarian Relief
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