With millions of Ukrainians having fled their country as Russian forces shell cities and towns in the Eastern European country for nearly a month now, a number of community groups and organizations have come together across Calgary to support them. These groups are dedicated to helping immigrants in Calgary and are now working together to collect donations for Ukrainian refugees all for the purpose of making sure those fleeing the war can get off to a clean start.
The Soap for Hope charity has recently partnered with The Centre for Newcomers to provide hygiene hampers for approximately 200 Ukrainian families expected to arrive in Calgary in April. While the charity initially started off as a small passion project in 2015, they have grown into a nationally registered charity that mainly strives to eliminate as much waste from landfills while also providing an essential service to community facilities and marginalized groups. In response to the Ukrainian refugees, they have focused on providing the necessary hygiene projects while also raising awareness, providing everything from shampoo and conditioner to razors and toothpaste. “You can only imagine how scary it would be to be flown to a new country where you know nobody or nothing and have nothing,” Soap for Hope’s Tanaya Jilg said. “So we just think it would be helpful for our part to at least have some basic amenities to be able to give to them when they arrive.”
The Centre for Newcomers has also decided to work with other local community groups to help raise funds and campaign for the Ukraine Crisis. Specifically, the Dashmesh Culture Centre Gurdwara Sahib Calgary collaborated with them just a few weeks ago. However, the centre is encouraging all Calgarians to help with their work. Donations of new clothing and blankets, grocery gift cards, non-perishable food items, cooking utensils, school supplies, toys, and books are all being accepted by the centre.
“We are just expecting as many Ukrainian families as possible,” said Rabah Swaidek, one of the directors at the Centre for Newcomers. “(We want) to be able to help support them, and whatever we have that’s left can go to other newcomers that are here, or just the community that’s in need.”
The situation that the Ukrainian refugees are in is undoubtedly grim, but Calgarians are here to support them.
Soap for Hope is now asking for donations of hygiene items and bedding, with more information available at https://www.soapforhopecanada.ca/.
Monetary donations are also being accepted for the Centre of Newcomers, and full details can be found here.
