OTTAWA – CNEWA Canada has launched an emergency appeal to aid families in western Ukraine displaced by what is called the worst flooding in a century. Of the more than 100,000 people affected, 20,000 were evacuated from their homes. Thus far, 22 people have died from floods caused by four days of rain in late July. Damages include houses, churches, schools, roads and an estimated 360 bridges; 81,510 acres of agricultural land were devastated, wiping out thousands of crops.
CNEWA’s partner in Ukraine, Caritas Ukraine, has surveyed the affected areas and has opened relief centers in the regions of Chernivci, Ivano-Frankivsk, Lviv and Ternopil. Caritas reports an urgent need for drinking water, powdered milk, baby food, blankets, canned food, soap, detergents and medicine.
“I invite the people of Canada, especially my fellow Ukrainian-Canadians, to support CNEWA Canada’s efforts in providing humanitarian assistance to flood victims who live in the poorest region of Ukraine,” said the Most Rev. Lawrence Huculak, O.S.B.M., Ukrainian Greek Catholic Metropolitan of Winnipeg and a member of CNEWA Canada’s Board of Directors.
Contributions, which are tax-deductible, can be sent through CNEWA’s web site – www.cnewacanada.ca – by phone 1-866-322-4441 or by mail. Make cheques out to CNEWA Canada, mark with “Ukrainian Relief Fund” and send to 1247 Kilborn Place, Ottawa, Ontario K1H 6K9.
CNEWA is an agency of the Holy See, working for more than 80 years in supporting the churches and peoples of the Middle East, Eastern Europe, India and Northeast Africa. Works include needy child and seminarian sponsorship programs; community development; emergency relief; health care and education; and interreligious dialogue programs.