Kateryna Bandura for New Pathway – Ukrainian News.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress raised over $55,000 during the ninth annual world’s largest single-day of generosity on November 30.
“As a donor, it’s great to see that so much work is taking place on important areas such as education, archives, supporting seniors and newcomers,” said Ihor Michalchyshyn, Executive Director and CEO of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
UCC raised $40,797.50, on top of $15,000 matching gifts, which brought the total raised on Giving Tuesday to $55,797.50, exceeding the UCC’s goal of $30,000. Donations are still coming in; the updated list of donors is available at ucc.ca/support-us/giving-tuesday-2021/
The Myhal Family Foundation matched gifts to UCC dollar to dollar up to $5,000 and the Ukrainian Credit Union Ltd., matched donations to UCC up to $10,000, for a total of $15,000 in matching.
GivingTuesday is a global movement for giving and volunteering, taking place each year after Black Friday. On this day every year charities, companies and individuals donate to favourite causes.
“In the same way that retailers take part in Black Friday, the giving community comes together for GivingTuesday,” said the Giving Tuesday’s statement.
The donations gathered for Giving Tuesday will help UCC fund the important work that the Congress does in the community, such as telling the story of the unjust First World War internments and the terrible truths about the Holodomor genocide.
“Working together, we preserve and nurture our identity, we remain connected, and our voices are taken into account by both the Canadian and Ukrainian governments,” said Nataliya Jatskevich, UCC Executive Committee, British Columbia Provincial Council, in an email. “It is up to us to carry this torch into the future, and your support is crucial to achieving this goal.”
The money will also help fund summer student jobs across UCC branches in Canada.
“(What) really struck a chord for me was the absolute depth of (UCC’s) mission of enhancing, strengthening and growing our community,” said Nina Semchyshyn, a 2021 UCC summer student. “It completely blew my mind because I knew that that’s what UCC does, I knew that they are the voice of our community, however I really didn’t know or understand just how much work it is.”
Among other Ukrainian Canadian organizations that benefited from GivingTuesday was the Ukrainian World Congress, which raised over $32,000. The money will help fund UWC programs that foster the Ukrainian heritage, develop emerging leaders and strengthen the Ukrainian communities globally.
“Your trust and support help us foster the unique bond that binds us together as Ukrainians – a bond of language, culture, heritage, and love for Ukraine,” said Dr. Yuri Huculak, UWC Vice President of Development and Fundraising, in an email.
Those who still wish to contribute can do so with an end-year tax-deductible donation on UWC’s website.
This article is written under the Local Journalism Initiative agreement
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