Canadian Red Cross remains focused on supporting people impacted by the conflict in Ukraine

Ottawa | February 23, 2024

Two years on, humanitarian needs persist

 As we approach the two-year mark since the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, the Canadian Red Cross reaffirms its commitment to providing essential aid to people impacted. Thanks to the generosity of people living in Canada and the Government of Canada, the Red Cross continues to deliver humanitarian assistance to people in Ukraine and those displaced in nearby countries with shelter, food, hygiene items, cash assistance, as well as health services and psychosocial support.
 
Mobile Health Teams, supported by the Canadian Red Cross, are connecting with people living in remote areas of Ukraine where infrastructure has been compromised, to deliver vital health assessments, medication, treatment for minor injuries, and referrals for further care. At Lviv Clinical Hospital of Emergency and Intensive Care, the Red Cross is funding psychotherapists to provide mental health services to address the psychological trauma experienced by both children and adults.
 
Over the past two years, the Canadian Red Cross has played a pivotal role in providing neutral and impartial humanitarian assistance, including the:
  • deployment of 58 highly trained humanitarian experts;
  • distribution of more than 422,000 emergency relief items, including blankets, tarps, and cooking supplies;
  • funding for more than 38,000 primary healthcare consultations through nine Mobile Health Units, providing over 2,200 community visits in the Cherkasy and Poltava Oblasts in Ukraine;
  • recruitment of 72 social helpers who have been providing home-based care to 772 people, including older adults and people living with chronic illnesses or disabilities; and,
  • support for up to 15 psychotherapists at the Lviv Clinical Hospital of Emergency and Intensive Care, addressing mental health needs.
The assistance provided encompasses a wide range of vital services, including emergency relief supplies, winterization efforts, support for communities directly affected by conflict, and home-based care initiatives. Through these concerted efforts, the Canadian Red Cross remains committed to alleviating the suffering of those impacted by the conflict in Ukraine and addressing evolving needs.
 
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While challenges persist, the strength and resilience of people impacted by the conflict cannot be overstated. The Canadian Red Cross remains committed to supporting the Red Cross Red Crescent Movement’s humanitarian efforts to alleviate suffering and distress for people affected by this ongoing crisis and will be there to provide support for as long as it’s needed.”
- Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO, Canadian Red Cross
 
The Canadian Red Cross wishes to thank people living in Canada and the Government of Canada for their generosity in support of the Red Cross response in Ukraine and surrounding countries where people are displaced. Those wishing to donate to the Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal can do so online at redcross.ca or by calling 1-800-418-1111.
 
To date, the Canadian Red Cross Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis Appeal has raised more than $215million which includes the matching contribution from the Government of Canada. More information on the response in Ukraine can be found here.
 

Additional Resources
@RedCrossCanada | facebook.com/CanadianRedCross | redcross.ca/blog  
Red Cross donor inquiries: WeCare@redcross.ca or 1-800-418-1111
 
About the Canadian Red Cross
Here in Canada and overseas, the Red Cross stands ready to help people before, during and after a disaster. As a member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – which is made up of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Committee of the Red Cross and 191 national Red Cross and Red Crescent societies – the Canadian Red Cross is dedicated to helping people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supporting them in strengthening their resilience.
 
MEDIA CONTACTS
English Media: 1-877-599-9602
French Media: 1-888-418-9111