Montrealers organize donations, shelter for potential Ukrainian refugees
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine rages on, Montrealers are preparing relief efforts for refugees who could end up in Canada, with food and clothing donations pouring into Ukrainian churches around the city.
At the Assumption Of Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Rosemont, parish priest Ihor Oshchipko said the contributions have been nonstop.
“So many people want to come to donate,” he said.
He also said he’s been contacted with offers to house refugees when they arrive, and the calls haven’t come from Montreal’s Ukrainian community alone.
“I received many calls from the Italian community, the Greek community here, from the Jewish community here," he said.
Oshchipko himself is prepared to accept his two nieces and their four children.
The Ukrainian Catholic Church of St-Michael’s is also accepting donations, with an emphasis on medical supplies.
The church sent out a call for unopened medications such as painkillers, bandages, syringes, disinfectant, IV lines, decompression needles, etc, as well as clothing.
The Ukrainian Catholic Church of St-Michael is calling for clothing donations and medical supplies. (Ukrainian Catholic Church of St-Michael)
The Ukrainian Catholic Church of St-Michael is calling for clothing donations and medical supplies. (Ukrainian Catholic Church of St-Michael)
It’s currently unclear to what extent Canada will accept Ukrainian refugees.
Canada’s spokesperson for the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) says it’s too early to begin resettling Ukrainian refugees.
"You’re going to see probably that people will stay close to the border area," Rema Jamous told The Canadian Press. “The overwhelming majority of refugees around the world will stay close to home and they will wait in neighbouring countries for an opportunity to return to their countries of origin.”
The federal government announced it is prioritizing residency applications from Ukraine and is extending a extending a temporary public policy allowing Ukranian visitors to apply for a work permit from within Canada.
The president of the St. Volodymyr Ukrainian Cultural Association says that while many Ukrainians are staying put and will need support, many will also be relocated to other countries.
“There’s going to be two levels of humanitarian needs. People staying in Ukraine that will be displaced, and we’re looking at about 12 million people,” Gregory Bedik told CTV News. “The other is the people that are fleeing Ukraine.”
— With files from The Canadian Press.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.