FaithLife Financial Fundraising Campaign Raises More Than $36,000 To Support Ukrainian Refugees
Funds collected supported the Region of Waterloo’s Immigration Partnership
WATERLOO, ON | MAY 17, 2022 A fundraiser by FaithLife Financial has raised $36,820 to support Ukrainian refugees settling into safety in Waterloo Region.
All funds, which were collected between April 18 and May 16, went to support the Region of Waterloo’s Immigration Partnership. Community members contributed $18,410 to the fundraiser, and FaithLife Financial doubled donations, bringing the total to $36,820.
”As community leaders committed to living generously, we knew our staff and members wanted to help in any way they could. We’re so thankful for everyone’s support towards this worthy cause, and we’re happy to know we’ve made a difference for people arriving in the region,” said Glenn Hymers, FaithLife Financial President and CEO.
As Ontario and Waterloo Region continue to welcome Ukrainian refugees, new arrivals need food, shelter, emergency supplies, and trauma support.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February, countries around the world have welcomed more than 4 million refugees fleeing the violence. Millions more are internally displaced within Ukraine.
Canada has welcomed more than 90,000 refugees from Ukraine so far, and more than 200,000 applications were submitted to the Canadian government since the war began in February.
During the fundraising campaign, FaithLife Financial hosted a webinar where participants heard from Tara Bedard, Executive Director of the Immigration Partnership, along with Dr. Bree Akesson, an Associate Professor of Social Work at Wilfrid Laurier University. Webinar attendees learned vital information about the human side of the conflict in Ukraine. A replay of the webinar is available on FaithLife Financial’s website.
A number of Ukrainian families have settled in Waterloo Region so far, and more are expected to arrive in the coming weeks and months. The Immigration Partnership will allocate funds collected through FaithLife Financial’s fundraiser to where they’re needed most, helping connect newcomers to supports and services in the area.